11 Feared Dead as Giant Tree Crashes onto Passenger Vehicles

At least 11 persons have been confirmed dead in a devastating incident after a massive tree collapsed on two commercial vehicles at Awhum Village Market Square in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Global Mirror News gathered that the tragic incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday February 17, when a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan, both conveying passengers from Old Park in Enugu metropolis to communities within the Awhum/Okpatu axis, made a stop at the busy market square to drop off commuters.

Eyewitnesses told Global Mirror News that moments after some passengers alighted from the vehicles, a giant tree located within the market vicinity suddenly gave way and crashed onto the vehicles, crushing them severely and trapping occupants inside.

Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, explained that preliminary investigations indicate that the tree had been weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds and apparent internal decay before it collapsed.

According to him, operatives from the 9th Mile Division promptly responded to a distress call and, with the assistance of community members, launched a rescue operation.

“Upon receiving the report, Police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene. Four persons trapped in the vehicles were rescued with varying degrees of injuries and rushed to hospital,” the statement read in part.

However, 11 other victims were also taken to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending Doctors. Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary pending further procedures.

Residents described the scene as chaotic and heart-rending, with traders and passersby struggling to pull victims from the wreckage before emergency responders arrived. The market square, usually bustling with evening activities, was thrown into confusion as news of the incident spread across the community.

The Commissioner of Police in the State commiserated with the bereaved families and the people of Awhum community, describing the occurrence as tragic and unfortunate.

He further advised residents and community leaders across Enugu State to prioritise environmental safety by conducting regular inspections of large or ageing trees around public spaces such as markets, motor parks, schools and residential Areas, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent avoidable disasters.

As of the time of filing this report, the four rescued victims were said to be receiving treatment at a medical facility, while authorities continue to assess the structural safety of surrounding trees within the market Area.