Enugu: 11 killed as tree crushes two commercial vehicles

Enugu map

No fewer than 11 persons have been confirmed dead after a massive tree fell on two commercial vehicles at the Awhum Village Market Square in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The incident, which occurred at about 8:45 pm on Tuesday, involved a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan.

Confirming the unfortunate incident in a statement on Wednesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the victims were passengers who had boarded the vehicles from Old Park, Enugu, and were heading to various villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis.

According to the police, the vehicles had stopped at the market square to drop off some passengers when the tree collapsed on them.

The statement read in part, “Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicles had stopped to drop off passengers when the tree, weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and apparent internal decay, collapsed on them.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives attached to 9th Mile Division swiftly responded and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the vehicles and secured the scene.

“Regrettably, the eleven other victims were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary for further necessary procedures.” Punch