At least 16 persons have been confirmed dead in a terrible lone auto crash that occurred on Tuesday along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka road, Ekwegbe in Enugu State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, who made this known in a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday said that the accident occurred around 5:20pm, at Ekwegbe, claiming the lives of yet-to-be identified 14 males and two females who were burnt beyond recognition.
The police spokesperson said that the accident involved an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”.
According to him, the driver of the vehicle was said to have been going at high speed when the vehicle suddenly lost control and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road.
Ndukwe said that “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.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation.
“He describes the accident and the carnage therein as sad, 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.”
