A female student lost her life on Monday in a car accident at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, during celebrations marking the end of final year exams.
According to an eyewitness who requested anonymity, a graduating student driving recklessly in celebration reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which then ploughed into a crowd of students.
The car, suspected to have suffered brake failure, struck several students, fatally injuring one.
A video circulating on WhatsApp shows the aftermath of the accident, with students lifting the car to retrieve the body of the victim trapped underneath.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Rector of IMT, Emeka Ejim, clarified that the deceased was not an IMT student but a student from Peaceland College, who was present on campus to sign out one of the injured students. He also confirmed that two other students, both from the Public Administration Department, sustained injuries in the crash.
The injured students are receiving medical care at Posh Hospital in the New Haven area of Enugu. One of the victims, an HND II student, is set to be transferred to the Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu for further treatment after X-rays revealed a leg fracture.
In response to the incident, Mr. Ejim announced the indefinite suspension of the final year examinations. He emphasized that the institution had repeatedly cautioned students against unruly celebrations.
An emergency meeting of the school’s Academic Board and management has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, to discuss the matter further.
The institution’s spokesperson, Mark Eze, confirmed the suspension, stating it was necessary to allow for a thorough investigation into the tragic event.
“Despite our warnings, some students proceeded with dangerous celebrations, which ultimately led to this unfortunate incident,” Mr. Eze lamented.
