By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 11 persons following a tragic road incident in which a large tree fell on two commercial vehicles along the 9th Mile–Old Nsukka Road in Enugu State.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the incident on Wednesday in Enugu.
He said the accident occurred at about 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday near Awhum Market in the Awhum community axis of the road.
According to Agbakoba, the crash involved a commercial Toyota Hiace bus, a commercial Toyota Sienna vehicle and the fallen tree, which was brought down by heavy rainfall.
He disclosed that 13 persons were involved in the incident, comprising 11 females and two males. “Unfortunately, 11 lives were lost at the scene, including 10 females and one male, even before the FRSC night rescue team arrived within 17 minutes of receiving the distress call,” he said.
Agbakoba, a Corps Commander, explained that the Toyota Hiace bus had stopped to allow passengers to alight when the tree suddenly collapsed onto the vehicle.
He added that the FRSC rescue team deposited the deceased at the Ekochin Hospital morgue at 9th Mile Corner, near Enugu.
Villagers assisted emergency responders by using a chainsaw to cut and remove the fallen tree.
Subsequently, the Enugu State Traffic Management Agency (ESTMA) deployed a heavy-duty tow truck to the scene to clear the large branches obstructing traffic.
The road was later reopened, and normal traffic flow was restored.
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