A tragic incident occurred in Aba, Abia State on Wednesday when a tall, large billboard collapsed onto several tricycles carrying passengers, resulting in multiple injuries and feared fatalities.
The accident happened during afternoon hours at the Salad Market junction near GIA Event Centre when heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds caused the structure to give way.
According to eyewitnesses, multiple tricycles with passengers were trapped beneath the massive billboard. Some passengers reportedly died on the spot, while others were heard calling for help from under the collapsed structure.
Local engineers and concerned residents quickly gathered at the scene to assist with rescue efforts, working to extract victims from beneath the debris. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, while those who reportedly lost their lives were transported to the mortuary.
As of the time of this report, authorities have not released an official statement regarding the incident or confirmed the exact number of casualties. The collapse has raised concerns about the structural integrity of billboards in the city, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
This incident comes amid the rainy season in Nigeria, when structural failures and related accidents tend to increase due to heavy downpours and strong winds.
BenriNews will provide updates as more information becomes available from official sources regarding the casualties and any investigation into the cause of the billboard collapse.
