RismadarVoice Reporters, February 19, 2026
No fewer than 11 persons have been confirmed dead after a massive tree fell on two commercial vehicles at Awhum Village Market Square in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The tragic incident occurred at about 8:45pm on Tuesday, involved a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan conveying passengers from Enugu metropolis to villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the victims had boarded the vehicles from Old Park, Enugu, and were en route to their respective destinations when the tragedy struck.
According to the police, the vehicles had stopped at the market square to drop off some passengers when the tree suddenly collapsed on them.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicles had stopped to drop off passengers when the tree, weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and apparent internal decay, collapsed on them,” the statement read in part.
Ndukwe said operatives attached to the 9th Mile Division responded swiftly to the distress call and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the wreckage and secured the scene.
“Regrettably, the 11 other victims were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending doctors.
Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary for further necessary procedures,” he added.
Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, described the incident as tragic and unfortunate, while commiserating with the families of the deceased and the Awhum community.
He also issued a safety advisory to residents and community leaders across the state, urging them to be proactive in environmental maintenance, particularly during the rainy season.
“The CP advises community leaders and residents across the state to regularly inspect and maintain large or ageing trees around markets, motor parks, schools, and residential areas, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, the four rescued survivors were receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.
