Tragedy has struck on the Enugu-Nsukka Expressway in Enugu State as a fatal crash claimed 16 lives.
According to a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Enugu State police command, Daniel Ndukwe, the lone fatal motor accident occurred in the evening of Tuesday, April 30, 2024, around 5:20 p.m., at Ekwegbe, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, claiming the lives of yet-to-be identified 14 males and two females who were burnt beyond recognition.
Ndukwe disclosed 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”, driving at high speed, heading towards Nsukka from the Enugu axis of the road.
He said however that, the actual point of take-off and final destination of the vehicle had not been ascertained.
Our correspondent however gathered that the bus was travelling to the northern part of the country.
The police added that the vehicle lost control, and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road, bursting into flames and burning beyond recognition, the 16 deceased individuals.
The police disclosed however that 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.
The vehicle, the police added, was loaded with edible vegetables, other food items, and the luggage of the passengers, with the items having been recovered by the Igbo-Etiti Police Division.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, visited the scene to assess the situation.
He described 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 called on individuals that could 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 infoenugupolice@gmail.com.
