ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- No fewer than eleven persons have lost their lives after a large tree collapsed on two vehicles at Awhum Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The tragic incident occurred on February 17, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m. at the Awhum Village/Market Square, according to the Enugu State Police Command.
This was contained in a press release made available to VONa by the Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe on Wednesday.
Police said the fallen tree crushed a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan that had conveyed passengers from Old Park, Enugu, to various villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis.
The vehicles had reportedly stopped to drop off passengers when the tree suddenly gave way.
Operatives attached to the 9th Mile Division responded swiftly to the distress call and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the wreckage and secured the scene.
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However, eleven other passengers were rushed to hospital where they were confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have been deposited in a mortuary for further necessary procedures.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the tree may have been weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds and apparent internal decay before it collapsed.
The Commissioner of Police in the state commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire Awhum community over the incident.
He also urged community leaders and residents across the state to ensure regular inspection and maintenance of large or ageing trees around markets, motor parks, schools and residential areas, especially during the rainy season, to prevent similar occurrences.