By Ojugbele Omotunde
No fewer than four person including a woman and her child, have been reportedly killed on Monday by over a century old tree that fell on them at the popular Jattu Market in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Several others, including traders and shoppers, sustained various degrees of injuries in the incident.
According to residents and eyewitnesses, four trees that are over 100 years old fell simultaneously on traders and their customers in the market.
The cause of the collapse of these trees was attributed to a heavy downpour earlier that Monday morning. Residents noted that a mother and her child were among the victims.
The Council Chairman of the area, Marvellous Zibiri, confirmed the fatalities while addressing reporters at the market.
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He said: “At about 9 a.m. on Monday, I received a call from my vice chairman and the supervisory councillor for the environment regarding the incident.
“During the rain, four trees which are estimated to be 100years old fell simultaneously in the market as people sought shelter under them, leading to the tragic deaths of four persons and multiple injuries,” he added.
The Council Chairman explained further noting that the bodies of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary, and those injured are receiving treatment at the hospital.
He added that rescue operations were ongoing, with efforts to remove the fallen trees to check for possible additional victims.
Ziburi described the incident as tragic. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged residents to remain indoors during storms.
Recall that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had predicted thunderstorms and rain from Monday to Wednesday, advising the public to take precautions due to the potential for strong winds.
