A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday evening near the GIA Event Centre, close to Salad Market along the busy Aba-Owerri Road, when a massive iron billboard suddenly collapsed on several commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke, leaving many feared dead and several others trapped under the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the incident as horrifying. One of them, who chose to remain anonymous, said the foundation of the billboard appeared structurally weak.
“The billboard was standing on just three pillars. It wasn’t strong enough to carry the weight, especially in this wind plus the rain. The thing pulled from the foundation,” the witness said.
Emergency response efforts are still underway, with residents and local volunteers struggling to rescue those trapped. A visibly distressed passenger was seen searching frantically for her child, who is feared to be under the fallen structure.
“The woman is still crying and calling out for her child. Nobody has found the kid yet,” another eyewitness said.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but several tricycles were seen crushed beneath the debris. The area has since been cordoned off as rescue operations continue.
THE WHISTLER reports that Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident as at the time of this report
