Tragic Incident in Enugu: 18 Commuters Die as Tree Falls on Bus

On February 17, a severe incident took place in the Awhum community located in the Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. An ancestral tree named "Ukwu Akpu Awhum" fell onto an 18-seater commercial bus that was fully loaded, tragically resulting in the death of all its passengers.

The bus was en route from Ukehe in the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area to the Enugu metropolis when the tree, due to adverse weather conditions including a thunderstorm and heavy rain, collapsed on it.

Charly Okeke, a local resident, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, mentioning that although branches of the tree had fallen in previous instances without causing harm, this occurrence was devastating. He speculated that recent activities by local youths, which included suspected occult practices such as tying red and white cloths around the tree's trunk, might have played a role in the mishap.

"Some individuals have been seen attempting to use the tree for spiritual purposes, which may have triggered this unfortunate event," Okeke stated.

It was also noted by community members that there have been ongoing attempts by government officials to cut down the tree, but locals vehemently oppose these efforts, citing their ancestral ties to it.

Videos taken shortly after the incident have started circulating, highlighting the tragic occurrence.

Further details of the event can be found in the videos shared below.