Tragedy struck on Tuesday night as no fewer than eleven persons lost their lives after a massive tree collapsed on two commercial vehicles at Awhum Village Market Square in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The fatal incident occurred at about 8:45 pm and involved a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan conveying passengers from Old Park in Enugu to various communities within the Awhum and Okpatu axis. The vehicles had reportedly stopped at the busy market square to drop off passengers when the huge tree suddenly fell on them.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said preliminary findings revealed that the tree had been weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds and apparent internal decay before it gave way.
According to him, operatives attached to the 9th Mile Division swiftly responded to the distress call. With the assistance of community members, four trapped victims were rescued from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Sadly, eleven other passengers were also taken to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have since been deposited in a mortuary for necessary procedures.
The Commissioner of Police commiserated with the bereaved families and the Awhum community, describing the incident as tragic and unfortunate. He urged residents and community leaders across the state to take proactive steps in inspecting and maintaining large or ageing trees around markets, motor parks, schools and residential areas, especially during the rainy season, to prevent similar disasters.
The four rescued survivors are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
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