The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed that 11 people were killed when a large tree fell on two vehicles in Awhum Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on February 17, 2026, at the Awhum Village Market Square, where a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan were struck by the falling tree.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, operatives from the 9th Mile Division swiftly responded to a distress report and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons who were trapped in the vehicles.
He said the remaining 11 passengers were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by doctors. Their bodies have since been deposited in a mortuary for further procedures.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicles had transported passengers from Old Park in Enugu and were heading to various villages within the Awhum and Okpatu axis. The vehicles had stopped to drop off passengers when the tree, believed to have been weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds and internal decay, suddenly collapsed on them.
The Commissioner of Police in the state commiserated with the families of the victims and members of the Awhum community over the tragedy.
The police command also advised community leaders and residents across the state to regularly inspect and maintain large or ageing trees around markets, motor parks, schools and residential areas, especially during the rainy season, to prevent similar incidents.
