Efforts Ongoing To Rescue People Trapped In Ebonyi Mining Pit

Marshy terrain in Abakaliki, Ebonyi capital, where a vehicle plunged into a pit has hindered rescue operations 48 hours after the crash.

The yet-to-be-identified vehicle plunged into the abandoned mining pit on Saturday. Efforts to rescue the passengers failed due to poor visibility as the incident happened in the evening.

On Sunday, the rescue operation at Enyigba in Abakaliki, including a crane provided by the government, failed as the pit was waterlogged.

Governor David Umahi, who visited the scene, supervised the rescue efforts and dished out instructions on saving the trapped persons.

The governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba, security heads and top government officials.

Loveth Odah, the police spokeswoman, said, “All efforts made to retrieve the vehicle failed as it remains unidentified with the passengers inside it. We are still hoping for the best and urge the people to remain calm.”

Stephen Orogwu, chairman of Ikwo local government area, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that the marshy terrain of the area made rescue efforts difficult.

“The pit is several feet beneath the ground as local, external and construction experts have been contracted to retrieve the vehicle,” he said.

A witness claimed that he was driving behind the vehicle when it suddenly veered from the road and plunged into the pit. (NAN)