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 on Tuesday evening. The vehicles involved were a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan.
According to a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the victims had boarded the vehicles from Old Park, Enugu, and were heading to various villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis.
The vehicles had reportedly stopped at the market square to drop off some passengers when the tree, weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and internal decay, 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,” the statement read. “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.”
The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital but were confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have since been deposited in the mortuary for further procedures. The four survivors are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.
While expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and the Awhum community, the Commissioner of Police described the incident as tragic and preventable. He urged community leaders and residents to regularly inspect and maintain large or ageing trees around markets, motor parks, schools, and residential areas, especially during the rainy season, to prevent similar occurrences.
“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,” SP Ndukwe added.
