Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
At least 11 people have been confirmed dead after a large tree collapsed onto a commercial bus and a minivan during a heavy downpour in Enugu State, authorities said on Tuesday, in what officials described as one of the deadliest weather-related incidents recorded in the area in recent years.
The tragic incident occurred in a community within Enugu State during a prolonged period of intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Eyewitnesses reported that the victims were travelling along a busy road when the towering tree, weakened by the storm, suddenly uprooted and crashed onto the vehicles, trapping passengers inside.
According to the Enugu State Police Command, emergency responders were alerted shortly after the incident and moved swiftly to the scene. Officers, alongside local residents and other emergency personnel, worked for hours in difficult weather conditions to rescue survivors and recover the bodies of those who had lost their lives. Police confirmed that 11 individuals were pronounced dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Preliminary findings suggest that the tree may have been destabilised by saturated soil and high winds following sustained rainfall. Authorities noted that investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional environmental or structural factors contributed to the collapse.
Residents of the affected community described scenes of panic and confusion as the incident unfolded. Some bystanders said they initially mistook the loud crash for a vehicular collision before realising a massive tree had fallen across the road. “The rain was very heavy and the wind was strong,” one resident said. “Suddenly we heard a loud bang and people started screaming. When we ran out, we saw that the tree had fallen directly on the vehicles.”
Medical personnel at a nearby health facility confirmed receiving multiple injured victims, some of whom required urgent surgical attention. Hospital sources indicated that a number of survivors suffered fractures, head injuries and severe bruising, while others were treated for shock.
State officials have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. A spokesperson for the Enugu State government described the incident as “a heartbreaking tragedy” and assured the public that the government would review environmental safety measures, particularly during the peak of the rainy season. The spokesperson urged residents to exercise caution during severe weather and to avoid parking or taking shelter under large trees during storms.
Meteorological experts have long warned that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense across parts of Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season. In southeastern states such as Enugu, heavy rainfall can loosen soil around large trees, especially those with shallow root systems or those already weakened by age or disease.
Urban planners and environmental analysts note that rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage systems and limited routine tree maintenance in some communities may increase vulnerability during storms. They argue that regular inspection and pruning of ageing trees along major roads could help mitigate similar disasters.
The incident has reignited conversations around climate resilience and infrastructure preparedness. Civil society groups have called for more proactive environmental management, including comprehensive tree risk assessments in densely populated areas and along high-traffic corridors.
Police authorities said traffic was temporarily diverted while rescue and clearing operations were underway. By late Tuesday morning, heavy equipment had been deployed to remove the fallen tree and clear debris from the road to restore normal movement.
While fatal road accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria, deaths directly linked to falling trees during storms are relatively rare but not unprecedented. Environmental safety advocates say such incidents underscore the need for coordinated action between local governments, environmental agencies and disaster management authorities.
Community leaders in the affected area have begun organising support for grieving families. Religious and traditional leaders have offered prayers and counselling services, as the community grapples with the sudden loss of loved ones.
Security agencies have appealed to the public to heed weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during severe storms. They also encouraged residents to report any visibly leaning or damaged trees to local authorities for prompt inspection.
As investigations continue, police emphasised that no foul play is suspected, describing the incident as a natural disaster triggered by adverse weather conditions. However, they maintained that a full assessment would be conducted to determine whether negligence in tree maintenance or road safety oversight played any role.
For many residents, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers posed by extreme weather. With the rainy season expected to persist in the coming weeks, authorities say heightened vigilance and preventive action will be critical to safeguarding lives.
Families of the victims are now preparing for burial arrangements, as the community mourns the lives lost in a disaster that struck without warning. Officials have reiterated their commitment to supporting those affected and to implementing measures aimed at reducing the risk of similar occurrences in the future.
The Enugu State Police Command said it would release further updates as investigations progress and as more details become available. For now, the focus remains on assisting survivors, consoling bereaved families and restoring a sense of normalcy in a community shaken by tragedy.
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