16 burnt beyond recognition in fatal motor accident in Enugu

From Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

No fewer than sixteen travelers that is yet to be identified
has burnt to death in a fatal motor accident that took place at Ekwegbe, along Enugu /Opi/Nsukka Road Enugu State.

The Police Public Relations Officer Enugu State Command Headquarters GRA Enugu, DSP Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the incident to newsmen on Wednesday.

Ndukwe in a statement said that: “The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that a lone fatal motor accident occurred today, April 30, 2024, around 5:20 p.m., at Ekwegbe, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, claiming the lives of yet-to-be identified fourteen males (14) and two (2) females who burned beyond recognition.

“The accident involves an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”, said to have been driven at high speed, lost control, and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road.

“A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle unfortunately burst into flames burning beyond recognition, the sixteen (16) deceased individuals, who were taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.

“However, two (2) 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” he stated.

The Nations News Nigeria reports that 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.

CP. Uzuegbu however, described the accident and the carnage therein as sad, commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.

He further called 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.