A massive iron billboard has collapsed at around GIA Event Centre, close to Salad Market along the busy Aba-Owerri Road, on commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke, leaving several people trapped under the wreckage.
According to eyewitnesses, the foundation of the billboard, before its sudden collapse, 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.
As at the filing of this report, emergency response 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 uncertain, but multiple tricycles were seen crushed under the debris. The area has been cordoned off while rescue operations are ongoing.
