The Enugu State Police Command has officially confirmed that 11 passengers lost their lives after a tree collapsed onto two vehicles in Awhum Community, located in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Details of the incident were contained in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe. According to the statement, the tragic event occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on February 17, 2026, at the Awhum Village Market Square.
Police reports indicate that a massive tree suddenly fell onto a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan that had stopped at the location to drop off passengers. The impact proved fatal, claiming the lives of 11 occupants.
Authorities explained that all the victims were immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel later confirmed their deaths. Their bodies have since been placed in a mortuary pending further necessary arrangements.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the tree may have been compromised by persistent heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible internal decay, which caused it to give way. The vehicles were reportedly stationary at the time of the incident.
The statement further revealed that officers from the 9th Mile Division responded promptly after receiving distress calls. Working alongside local residents, they managed to rescue four individuals who were trapped inside the damaged vehicles and secured the scene.
Earlier accounts had described the heartbreaking incident as it unfolded during a heavy downpour along the Ukwu Akpu Awhum axis on Tuesday night. Witnesses recounted hearing a loud crashing sound before discovering that a large tree had toppled onto the bus, crushing it and trapping passengers inside.
Residents who spoke about the incident described scenes of panic and confusion, as trapped victims cried out for assistance amid the storm. The torrential rain and slippery conditions reportedly made rescue efforts even more challenging.
Community volunteers and local vigilante groups were said to have arrived first at the scene, braving the harsh weather to help free survivors and transport the injured to medical facilities before the arrival of security operatives.
In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Awhum Community, describing the occurrence as deeply unfortunate.
He also urged residents and community leaders throughout the state to take preventive measures by routinely inspecting and maintaining large or ageing trees in public spaces such as markets, motor parks, schools, and residential areas, especially during the rainy season, to avoid similar tragedies.
The incident has left the Awhum Community in deep sorrow, while prompting renewed appeals for proactive environmental safety checks to prevent further loss of life.