An eyewitness reported that the graduating student lost control of the vehicle, which then barreled into a crowd of students.
A video circulating on WhatsApp captures the aftermath of the accident, showing students lifting the car in a desperate attempt to free the body of the victim trapped beneath.
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 on campus to sign out one of the injured students.
He also confirmed that two other students from the Public Administration Department sustained injuries in the crash. They are currently receiving medical treatment at Posh Hospital in the New Haven area of Enugu. One of the injured, an HND II student, is set to be transferred to the Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu for further care after X-rays revealed a leg fracture.
Mr. Ejim announced that, in light of the incident, the institute has suspended all final year examinations indefinitely. He underscored that the institution had repeatedly warned students against engaging in unruly celebrations.
An emergency meeting of the school’s Academic Board and management has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, to discuss the issue further.
The institution’s spokesperson, Mark Eze, confirmed the suspension, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into this tragic event.
“Despite our warnings, some students chose to celebrate dangerously, leading to this unfortunate incident,” Mr. Eze lamented.