By Esther Ibe, Owerri
Tragedy struck at Awhum Community, Udi Local Government Area in Enugu on Tuesday as a big tree fell inside the market killing 11 persons
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of the eleven persons.
A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the victims were in vehicles that had departed from Old Park, Enugu, and were heading to different villages in the Awhum/Okpatu axis when the incident occurred.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicles had briefly stopped to drop off passengers when a large tree, reportedly weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and internal decay, suddenly collapsed on them.
Operatives attached to the 9th Mile Division swiftly responded to distress calls and mobilised to the scene. In collaboration with local residents, the officers rescued four victims trapped in the wreckage and secured the area.
The injured were rushed to hospital for treatment, while 11 others were confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have been deposited in a mortuary for further procedures.
The Commissioner of Police expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and the Awhum community, describing the incident as painful and unfortunate.
He also urged community leaders and residents across the state to regularly inspect and maintain large or ageing trees around markets, motor parks, schools and residential areas, especially during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies.