By Huldah Shado
A tragic incident struck the city of Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday afternoon when a massive billboard collapsed during a fierce rainstorm, killing and injuring several commuters.
The accident occurred at the busy Salad Market junction near the GIA Event Centre amid strong winds and torrential rain.
The towering structure crashed onto multiple tricycles (popularly known as keke) that were ferrying passengers at the time.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the metal frame of the billboard flattening the tricycles and trapping occupants beneath. Emergency responders, including rescue workers and engineers, raced to the scene to pull survivors from the wreckage.
Several victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, while the remains of those who perished were conveyed to the morgue.
The exact number of fatalities had yet to be officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the city, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the structural integrity of the billboard and the circumstances surrounding its collapse.
Local residents have called on relevant regulatory agencies to enforce stricter safety standards for outdoor structures to prevent future tragedies.
