One Feared Dead, Several Injured as Billboard Collapses in Aba During Heavy Rain

Tragedy struck in Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday afternoon after a massive commercial billboard collapsed at the busy Salad Market Junction along the Aba-Owerri Road, reportedly killing one person and injuring several others.

The incident occurred during a heavy downpour, which is believed to have weakened the billboard’s structure. Eyewitnesses said the billboard crashed onto more than nine commercial tricycles, some of which had passengers and operators on board.

According to a source in the area, the tricycles were operated by drivers who usually load passengers at the junction and were either waiting their turn or preparing to take off when the structure gave way.

“The deceased and those injured were mostly tricycle operators and passengers already on board and waiting to begin their journey,” the source added.

The collapse also affected other road users, including drivers and passengers of commercial buses along the Aba-Owerri route, as the billboard fell across the road.

In addition to the casualties and damage to vehicles, the fallen structure brought down high-tension electricity cables, plunging the area into total blackout.