The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of 16 persons in a lone auto crash.

DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the state Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident, said that the auto crash occurred on Tuesday along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka road, Ekwegbe in Enugu State

He said the crash occurred at about 5:20pm, at Ekwegbe, and claimed the lives of 14 males and two females who were burnt beyond recognition.

According to him, the accident involved an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”.

The driver of the vehicle was said to have been going at high speed when the vehicle suddenly lost control and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road.

“A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle unfortunately burst into flames, burning beyond recognition, the 16 deceased individuals, who were taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.

“However, two other passengers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for medical attention by police officers, soldiers and public-spirited citizens, who immediately responded to the incident.

The vehicle was loaded with edible vegetables, other food items, and the luggage of the passengers.