Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers During Storm

On Tuesday, a tragic incident in Enugu State resulted in the deaths of all 18 passengers in a commercial minibus when a massive ancestral tree, known locally as Ukwu Akpu, collapsed onto the vehicle during a heavy thunderstorm. The 18-seater minibus was traveling from Ukeh to Igbo Etiti LGA when the tree suddenly fell, crushing the vehicle.

Charli Okek, a community member, expressed the shock gripping Awhum, noting that while branches from the ancient tree had fallen in the past, such a scale of tragedy had never occurred before. In response, residents began tying red and white cloth around the tree trunk, seeking spiritual intervention, as Okek suggested that the act of desecration may have weakened the tree, leading to the tragedy.

The community is mourning the devastating loss, urging greater caution around the ancestral site, particularly amid the recent torrential rains. Local authorities, including the Enugu State Emergency Agency, are expected to visit the scene to assess safety conditions and provide support to the bereaved families.