Tragedy as 16 passengers die in Enugu auto crash

About 16 passengers were burnt beyond recognition while two others were rescued alive following an auto crash that occurred along Opi-Nsukka road, in Enugu State on Tuesday evening.

The two victims rescued alive were rushed to a hospital where they are being treated for injuries. Confirming the incident, spokesperson for Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, urged members of the public to help in identifying the victims.

Ndukwe in a statement yesterday, explained that the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu has visited the scene of the incident, describing it as a “sad one”. He said: “Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that a lone fatal auto crash occurred on April 30, at about 5:20 p.m., at Ekwegbe, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, claiming the lives of yet-to-be identified 14 males and two females who were burnt beyond recognition.

“The incident involved an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”.

“The bus said to have been driven at high speed, lost control, and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road.

“A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle unfortunately burst into flames burning beyond recognition, the 16 individuals, who were taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.

“However, two other passengers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for medical attention by police officers, soldiers and public-spirited citizens, who immediately responded to the incident.

“Further investigation reveals that the vehicle, loaded with edible vegetables, other food items, and the luggage of the passengers, was heading towards Nsukka from the Enugu axis of the road.

“However, the actual point of take-off and final destination of the vehicle have not been ascertained. Nonetheless, the items have been recovered by the Igbo-Etiti Police Division.” He added that the Commissioner of Police in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation.

“The CP describes the accident and the carnage therein as sad, commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.”

“The CP further called on individuals that can help in identifying the victims or with information to trace the family members of the deceased to come forward with such information,” Ndukwe said.