The police command in Enugu says 16 persons were killed in a road accident after an 18-seater bus lost control and rammed into a section of Maduka University.

Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu police spokesperson, said the incident occurred around 5:30 pm on Tuesday, adding that the Toyota bus went up in flames, burning the passengers beyond recognition.

He added that two persons survived the incident and were immediately hospitalised.

The spokesperson said the take-off point and final destination of the victims were yet to be ascertained.

“An 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with registration number: DAS 215 XA, and with an inscription, ‘Marsha Alla’ driving at a high speed towards Nsukka from the Enugu axis of the road, suddenly lost control and plunged into a fence belonging to Maduka University along the road,” the spokesperson said.

“It immediately burst into flames after hitting the fence and burnt beyond recognition, 16 passengers on board.

“Only two passengers were rescued alive by police officers, soldiers, and good-spirited individuals, and taken to a hospital for immediate medical attention.

“The vehicle was loaded with edible vegetables, food items, and luggage belonging to the deceased passengers.”

On April 28, 19 persons were burnt to death in an auto crash along the Okene-Lokoja highway in Kogi state.