A devastating accident in Awhum community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, has claimed the lives of 18 commuters after a massive ancestral tree collapsed onto a moving commercial bus during a rainstorm.
The tragedy occurred Tuesday evening, February 17, amid heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The tree, locally known as “Ukwu Akpu Awhum,” fell directly onto a fully loaded 18-seater bus traveling from Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area to Enugu metropolis.
According to local accounts, all passengers on board died at the scene when the tree crushed the vehicle. Emergency responders and residents reportedly rushed to the area, but there were no survivors.
A community member, Charly Okeke, described the incident as deeply shocking. He noted that although large branches of the historic tree had broken off in the past, it had never caused fatalities.
Okeke also alleged that some youths had recently been tying red and white cloths around the trunk, claiming spiritual significance. He speculated that such activities may have contributed to the incident, though there is no official confirmation linking those claims to the سقوط of the tree.
Residents further disclosed that there had been previous attempts by authorities to remove the aging tree due to safety concerns. However, some indigenes reportedly resisted those efforts, citing ancestral and cultural ties to the landmark.
Authorities are expected to assess the scene and determine the exact cause of the collapse, including whether soil erosion, lightning strikes, or structural weakness from the storm played a role.
The incident has reignited conversations about balancing cultural heritage with public safety, particularly in communities where historic landmarks sit close to busy roads.
Source: Africa Publicity
