Tragedy struck in Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday afternoon as a large billboard collapsed onto several tricycles (commonly known as Keke) carrying passengers near the busy Salad Market junction, close to the GIA Event Centre. The incident occurred during a heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, which reportedly caused the billboard to give way.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the billboard came crashing down, trapping multiple tricycles and their occupants beneath its weight. Some passengers were feared dead on the spot, while others sustained serious injuries and could be heard calling for help from under the wreckage.
Local residents and engineers quickly arrived at the scene to assist in rescuing victims. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, while bodies of those who lost their lives were taken to the mortuary.
As of the time of this report, authorities have not released an official statement or confirmed the exact number of casualties. The incident has sparked concern among residents about the safety of large billboards and the need for stricter regulations, especially during the rainy season.