It was a tragic scene, on Tuesday evening, in Enugu as 16 travellers were roasted to death while two others escaped narrowly in a motor accident in Enugu State.
The two survivors were immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital where they are receiving treatment for the injuries they sustained. The incident occurred along Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road, Enugu with 16 out of the 18 travellers in the affected bus burnt beyond recognition.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesman of the police in Enugu, Daniel Ndukwe, said from preliminary investigation, the bus, which was driven on high speed, lost control and plunged into the fence of Maduka University, located at Ekwegbe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
He said the state Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation.
The statement reads: “The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that a lone fatal motor accident occurred, today, April 30, 2024, around 5:20pm, at Ekwegbe, along Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road, claiming the lives of yet-to-be identified 14 males and two females who burned beyond recognition.
“The accident involved an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”, 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 deceased 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.
“A preliminary 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.
“The commissioner of police described the accident and the carnage, therein, as sad, while commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.
“The CP further calls 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 or alternatively call 08098880172 or 08086671202, or send emails to [email protected].”
