From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Tragedy struck on Tuesday at Awhum, a serene community in Udi local government of Enugu state, where a tree fell on two commercial vehicles, resulting in the death of 11 persons while four others were admitted in the hospital.
The incident happened on Tuesday at about 8.45pm within the Awhum market square/bus stop.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident in press statement made available to newsmen in Enugu,signed by the Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO, SP Daniel Ndukwe.
The Police statement said the 11 persons died after a large tree at the Awhum Village/Market Square fell on two vehicles, a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna mini- Van.
According to Ndukwe, Police from 9th Mile Division responded swiftly and with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the vehicles.
” Regrettably, the eleven other victims were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending doctors”, Ndukwe stated.
The Enugu state PPRO said preliminary findings showed that the death persons were among the passengers conveyed in the vehicles from Old Park,Enugu.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has also confirmed the incident and the death of 11 persons.
The Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, said that tree fell on the vehicles afternath of a heavy rainfall,as passengers alighted from the vehicles
He lamented, “The road mishap involved 13 persons in total, which included: 11 female and two male.
“Unfortunately, 11 lives was lost at the spot, which included: 10 female and one male; even before 17 minutes response’s time on which the FRSC night rescue team navigated the terrain to the spot.”
Agbakoba narrated that the commercial Toyota Hiace bus stopped for passengers to alight when the tree fell on it.
The post Police, FRSC confirm killing of 11 persons by a tree in Enugu community appeared first on Time.I.NG .
summary of the tragic incident in Enugu State, Nigeria:
🌳 Tree Collapse Kills 11 in Awhum Community, Udi LGA, Enugu
At about 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a large tree suddenly fell on two commercial vehicles at the Awhum Village Market Square in the Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
📍 What happened:
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The tree collapsed onto a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna minivan as they were stopped to drop off or pick up passengers.
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The passengers were reportedly traveling from Old Park, Enugu toward villages in the Awhum/Okpatu area.
👥 Casualties and Rescue:
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At least 11 persons were killed in the incident after being trapped under the fallen tree.
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Four other passengers were rescued from the wreckage and taken to hospital for treatment.
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The remains of those killed have been deposited at a local mortuary as authorities begin necessary procedures.
🌧️ Likely Cause:
Preliminary reports from police and emergency officials say the tree was weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and apparent internal decay, causing it to collapse during the rainy weather.
👮 Official Response:
The Enugu State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the deaths and urged community leaders and residents to regularly inspect and maintain large or aging trees around busy public spots such as markets, motor parks, schools, and bus stops, especially during the rainy season, to help prevent similar tragedies.
💔 In summary:
This was a weather-related accident, not a criminal act — a large tree collapse due to natural factors tragically claimed lives as people waited in commercial vehicles in the Awhum community of Enugu State.