Tragedy struck on Tuesday when an accident killed at least 18 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.

NEWMAX Nigeria gathered that the bus was fully loaded with passengers when the incident happened during a heavy thunderstorm and rainfall.

The 18‑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 on impact.

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.

As at the time of filing this report, Enugu State authorities are yet to issue any statement