Tragedy struck in Enugu on Tuesday as 16 persons die in a motor accident while two of the travellers were rescued alive before being rushed to hospital for treatment.
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The auto mishap occurred along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, Enugu with 16 out of the 18 travellers burnt beyond recognition.
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Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, urged members of the public to help in identifying the victims.
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In a press statement, the Police Spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu had visited the scene of the lone fatal motor accident, describing it as a ‘sad’ one.
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Parts of the statement read:
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, *CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+)*, in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation.
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“He describes the accident and the carnage therein as sad, commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.
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“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. Or alternatively call 08098880172 or 08086671202, or send emails to [email protected].
