By Deborah Nnamdi
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of 11 persons following a tragic tree-fall incident in Awhum Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on February 17 at the Awhum Village/Market Square.
According to the police, a large tree suddenly collapsed on a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan, killing 11 passengers.
Ndukwe stated that operatives attached to the 9th Mile Division responded swiftly after receiving the distress report and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the crushed vehicles while securing the scene.
He added that the injured victims were rushed to the hospital, but the 11 others were later confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary for further necessary procedures.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the affected vehicles had conveyed passengers from Old Park in Enugu and were heading to villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis. The vehicles reportedly stopped to drop off passengers when the tree, believed to have been weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and internal decay, fell on them.
The Commissioner of Police commiserated with the bereaved families and the entire Awhum community over the tragedy, describing the incident as unfortunate.
He also urged residents and community leaders across the state to regularly inspect and maintain large or aging trees around markets, motor parks, schools, and residential areas, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent similar occurrences.
The Command assured the public of continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen safety measures and prevent future tragedies across Enugu State.
