Eleven people have lost their lives in ta tragic road accident, when a big tree fell on two commercial vehicles along the 9th Mile–Old Nsukka Road in Enugu State during a heavy rainfall.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that the incident occurred at about 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday at Awhum Market axis of the road.
The fallen tree and the crushed vehicles
The Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Franklin Agbakoba, disclosed that the accident involved a commercial Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle when the tree suddenly fell on them amid heavy rainfall.
According to Agbakoba, a total of 13 persons were involved in the incident , 11 female and two male. Sadly, 11 persons, comprising 10 female and one male, died on the spot before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team.
He explained that the Hiace bus had stopped for passengers to come down when the tree fell, crushing the vehicles instantly.
“The unfortunate incident was occasioned by heavy rain. Our night rescue team responded within 17 minutes despite the challenging terrain, but 11 victims had already lost their lives before we arrived,” Agbakoba said.
The FRSC rescue team evacuated the deceased to Ekochin Hospital Morgue at 9th Mile Corner near Enugu.
Residents assisted emergency responders by deploying a chainsaw to cut through the fallen tree, while the Enugu State Traffic Management Agency sent its heavy-duty tow truck to remove debris and restore traffic flow along the road.
The road was later reopened to motorists after clearance operations were completed.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over safety during extreme weather conditions, particularly along tree-lines.
