By Godwin Akomah, Umuahia
Tragic struck on Wednesday in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, as a giant advertising billboard collapsed on multiple commercial tricycles and by – standers at the ever-busy GIA Road.
The massive structure collapse, which occurred at the Salad Market junction following a heavy downpour, also pulled down high-tension electricity wires, plunging the area into darkness.
There were cries by sympathizers over the fate of drivers and passengers as well as commuters waiting for the rain to subside when the billboard fell on them.
The exact number of casualties was yet to be confirmed as of evening time, but multiple eyewitnesses said that people, including drivers and passengers, sustained multiple injuries and were evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment.
No fewer than nine tricycles were reportedly trapped beneath the fallen billboard.
The affected tricycles were operated by commercial drivers plying the Aba-Owerri Road through the Salad Market route.
Witnesses said the billboard was uprooted by windstorm. The structure, which had stood for several years, reportedly gave way at its base.
