A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, as a massive advertising billboard collapsed on multiple commercial tricycles along the ever-busy Aba-Owerri Road.
The collapse, which took place at the Salad Market junction during a heavy downpour, also brought down high-tension electricity wires, plunging the area into darkness. Residents will remain without power until repairs are carried out by the electricity provider, Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE).
While the exact number of casualties was yet to be confirmed as of press time, eyewitnesses reported that several people, including drivers and passengers, sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Some fatalities were also feared.
The affected tricycles were operated by commercial drivers servicing the Aba-Owerri Road through the Salad Market route. Victims included drivers waiting to load passengers and commuters who had already boarded the vehicles.
Eyewitnesses, Mr. Chike and Mrs. Blessing, said the billboard was uprooted by strong winds during the storm. The structure, which had stood for several years, reportedly gave way at its base.
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Chike noted that by the time fire service officials arrived at the scene, victims had already been evacuated. He also quoted some structural engineers who attributed the collapse to a weak foundation and poor adherence to building standards.
The engineers criticised the lack of soil testing and substandard base construction, especially at such a strategic and high-traffic location.
Nine tricycles were reportedly trapped beneath the fallen billboard.
Mrs. Blessing described the incident as a wake-up call to government regulatory bodies responsible for approving and monitoring billboard structures. She urged authorities to enforce safety compliance and carry out regular inspections to prevent similar tragedies.
Our correspondent observed that passersby and relatives of victims wept uncontrollably as they arrived at the scene, confronted by the devastation left in the wake of the collapse.
