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.
Confirming the development 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.
The tragic incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday and involved a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan.
According to the police, the vehicles had stopped at the market square to drop off passengers when the tree suddenly collapsed on them.
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”, Ndukwe stated.
The Commissioner of Police, while commiserating with the families of the deceased and the Awhum community, described the incident as tragic and unfortunate.
He also urged community leaders and residents across the state to take proactive steps in environmental maintenance.
“The CP advises community leaders and residents across the State to regularly inspect and maintain large or ageing trees around markets, motor parks, schools, and residential areas, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies”, Ndukwe said.
Meanwhile, the four rescued survivors are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.
