The Enugu State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a driver who allegedly killed two men in a hit-and-run crash along Airport Corner in the Emene area of Enugu East Local Government Area.

The fatal incident reportedly occurred at about 10 a.m. when the driver, travelling from Emene towards the Enugu city centre, allegedly lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn.

According to eyewitnesses, one of the victims had earlier stopped by the roadside after his vehicle developed a mechanical fault. He reportedly borrowed tools from a nearby mechanic workshop to repair the vehicle and was returning the equipment when the speeding car struck him.

The impact reportedly killed the man instantly and severely injured him, with one of his legs said to have been severed.

The driver allegedly failed to stop after the first collision and continued along the road before hitting another pedestrian, who also died at the scene.

The motorist subsequently fled towards the Airport Roundabout, according to witnesses.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the command had received a report of the crash and commenced an investigation to identify and apprehend the driver.

“A hit-and-run driver killed two people, all male, and ran away. The police have a report of the incident, and an investigation is ongoing to track down the driver,” Ndukwe said.

The incident comes amid renewed enforcement of traffic regulations in Enugu State following directives by the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, for officers to intensify efforts against reckless driving and other traffic violations.

The police said efforts were ongoing to trace the vehicle and apprehend the driver, who could face prosecution if found responsible for the deaths.

Authorities have also urged motorists to obey speed limits, exercise caution at turns and intersections, and avoid behaviour that could endanger other road users.