Storm bring down sign post killing two in Port Harcourt

Three persons, including two siblings have been feared dead on Monday after  a telecommunications mast and a signage pole fell around the Mile Three area of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital following fierce rainfall that also destroyed fences and damaged buildings.

Two relatives were killed and while their mother escaped unhurt when the telecoms mast fell from the fenced compound of the University of Port Harcourt Continuing Education Centre, into Community Secondary School in the Mile Three-Oroworukwo-Nkpolu area of the state capital.

Mother of the two children, a 45- year old Eucharia, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, that  the mast fell on a signage pole which in turn fell on her 15 year old daughter and her son, killing them instantly.

It was gathered that the third victim, a man known as Coach, was said to be unconscious when the signage poll fell, but later died while being rushed to the hospital

According to an eyewitness, “We were just on the road before the mast fell down. The thing affected one other sign board and both of them hit the girl. The girl was returning from an errand the mother sent her. The signboard also hit coachee on his head.”

Commenting on the accident, the Managing Director of the Rivers state Signage and Advertising Agency, Chukwudi Dimkpa, said the signage pole fell because it had a weak base instead of a more fortified one.

Dimkpa, who spoke when he visited the scene of the disaster, noted that many signage poles in Port Harcourt were not properly maintained, and pledged to intensify efforts to inspect other signage poles in the state.

He said, “Almost all the practitioners are aware of what it means for a pole to collapse. We have been harping on proper maintenance.

“It is unfortunate that this incident happened when the rain was falling. We sympathize with the families of those that lost their loved ones. We will investigate what actually happened to that signage pole and take the necessary act.