A devastating auto crash along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka road has claimed the lives of 16 individuals.

Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the tragic incident occurred late Tuesday when an 18-seater bus with a Bauchi number plate crashed into a fence and burst into flames.

Ndukwe detailed the grim aftermath of the accident, stating, “No fewer than 14 male and two female adults lost their lives when their vehicle crashed into a fence and caught fire along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka road late Tuesday.”

Investigations into the accident indicated that the vehicle was speeding before losing control and crashing into the fence. Ndukwe stated, “Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was speeding before it lost control and rammed into the fence.”

The Enugu State Police Command, alongside other emergency responders, swiftly intervened, rescuing two survivors from the blazing wreckage. However, the intensity of the fire rendered identification of the deceased challenging, with all 16 passengers burnt beyond recognition.

Ndukwe elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the accident, noting, “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.”

Authorities are urging the public to step forward with any information that could assist in identifying the victims. Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, visited the scene alongside officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps to assess the situation and extend condolences to the affected families.

In a call for cooperation, Ndukwe urged, “The CP further called 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 call 08098880172 or 08086671202.”