Tragedy struck on Tuesday when an accident killed at least 11 passengers after a massive ancestral tree known locally as “Ukwu Akpu Awhum” toppled onto a commercial bus in the Awhum community of Udi LGA, Enugu State.

It was reported that the bus was fully loaded with passengers when the incident happened during a heavy thunderstorm and rainfall.

The 11-seater minibus was travelling from Ukehe in Igbo‑Etiti LGA to Enugu metropolis when the giant tree suddenly collapsed, crushing the vehicle and its occupants.

Residents rushed to the scene, but all passengers were reportedly killed.

One community member, Charly Okeke, spoke of the shock that has gripped Awhum. He said that although branches had fallen from the ancient tree in the past, nothing of this scale had ever occurred before.

“Some people started tying red and white cloths around the trunk, seeking spiritual powers,” Okeke suggested, adding that such acts of desecration may have weakened the tree.

“I suspect this may have caused the tragedy,” he said.

The community has been thrown into mourning as families and neighbours grapple with the devastating loss.

Many residents are now urging greater caution around sacred and ancestral sites, particularly amid the torrential rains that have lashed parts of the state in recent days.

Officials from the state emergency agencies and local authorities are expected to visit the scene to assess safety conditions and provide support to the bereaved families.

Reactions from Netizens

Members of the public, particularly indigenes of Enugu, confirmed the incidents and shed light on the incidents.

While commenting on the post shared by SaharaReporters on Facebook, a netizen who goes by Stephen Chukwuebuka said “We always attribute a lot of things to the gods. That tree has been long overdue for felling. But due to some people have tied a white and red cloth to it, it’s now untouchable”.

Agudi Vivian Ikpere confirmed the incident, saying,  “Four people from my village 😭😭😭😭😭”.

“It’s true the place is close to my village, there was heavy rain 🌧 and strong wind, which caused the big tree to break into two and killed a lot of people”—Chukwudi Kingsley.