11 Killed, Four Injured as Tree Crushes Bus, Minivan in Enugu Community
Tragedy struck Awhum Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on Monday night as a large tree collapsed on two commercial vehicles, killing eleven passengers and leaving four others injured.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident in a press statement issued yesterday in Enugu.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the tragic incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on February 17, 2026, at Awhum Village/Market Square.
He disclosed that the fallen tree crushed a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan that had stopped to drop off passengers.
“Operatives attached to the 9th Mile Division swiftly responded to the distress report and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the vehicles and secured the scene,” the statement read.
Ndukwe, however, said eleven other passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending doctors.
Their remains, he added, have been deposited in the mortuary for further necessary procedures.
Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the vehicles had conveyed passengers from Old Park in Enugu metropolis and were heading to various villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis before the unfortunate incident occurred.
The Command attributed the collapse of the tree to heavy rainfall, strong winds and apparent internal decay, which weakened its structure.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bitrus Giwa, commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire Awhum Community over the loss.
He also urged community leaders and residents across the state to ensure regular inspection and maintenance of large or aging trees around markets, motor parks, schools and residential areas, particularly during the rainy season, to avert similar tragedies.
The police assured members of the public of their continued commitment to public safety and rapid emergency response across the state.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
