Sixteen travellers were burnt to death while two others narrowly escaped in a motor accident in Enugu State on Tuesday evening.
The two survivors were immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital where they were receiving treatment for the injuries they sustained.
The accident occurred along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, with 16 out of the 18 travellers in the affected bus burnt beyond recognition.
A statement signed by the spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, stated that the dead victims included yet-to-be identified 14 males and two females.
The PPRO noted that from preliminary investigation, the bus, which was on high speed, lost control and plunged into the fence of Maduka University located at Ekwegbe in Igbo-Etiti local government area of the State.
He added that the State’s Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has visited the scene to assess the situation.
The statement read: “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.
“The Commissioner of Police described the accident and the carnage therein as sad, while commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.
“The CP further calls 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.”
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