A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon in Aba, Abia State, when a towering billboard collapsed during a heavy downpour, crushing several tricycles and leaving multiple casualties in its wake.
The incident occurred around the busy Salad Market junction, near the GIA Event Centre, as fierce winds accompanied torrential rains, toppling the massive metal structure without warning.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and horror as the billboard came crashing down onto unsuspecting tricycle operators and passengers. “It happened so fast people were screaming, and some were trapped under the wreckage,” said a local vendor who witnessed the collapse.
Although the exact number of fatalities and injuries remains unconfirmed at the time of reporting, several individuals are feared dead, with many others severely injured. Emergency responders, including state fire service personnel and local rescue teams, rushed to the scene to pull victims from the debris.
Injured passengers were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment, while the remains of those presumed dead were reportedly taken to the morgue under police supervision.
As authorities assess the structural failure and begin investigations into the incident, questions are already being raised about the safety standards of billboard installations in urban areas prone to extreme weather conditions.
Officials from the Abia State Emergency Management Agency (ASEMA) and local engineers have cordoned off the area to prevent further harm, as a crowd of anxious residents gathered at the site.
The state government is expected to issue an official statement following a detailed assessment of the damage and casualties.
