A tragic road accident on the Enugu-Egwegbe-Nsukka road in Enugu State has resulted in the loss of sixteen lives, leaving them burnt beyond recognition.
The incident occurred on Tuesday around 5:20 pm, involving an 18-seater white Toyota hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA, bearing the inscription “Masha Allah”.
The accident, attributed to high speed and loss of control, caused the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into the fence of Maduka University.
Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the devastating incident, revealing that the vehicle caught fire, leaving the sixteen passengers onboard unidentifiable. Two other passengers survived and were rushed to the hospital for treatment by a swift response from police officers, soldiers, and concerned citizens.
The vehicle, loaded with edible vegetables, other food items, and passengers’ belongings, was traveling from the Enugu area towards Nsukka.
The exact origin and destination of the journey remain unclear, but the items onboard have been retrieved by the Igbo-Etiti Police Division.
Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, alongside officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps, visited the scene to assess the situation. He expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident and extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
He urged anyone with information about the victims or their families to come forward to assist in identifying them and providing support to their relatives.
