Tragedy as mast falls, crushes man to death in Edo

A tragic incident occurred at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Thursday, February 20, when a yet-to-be-identified man lost his life after a mast collapsed during a heavy windstorm.  

The unfortunate event took place ahead of a praise night organized to commemorate Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s 100 days in office. The celebration was disrupted by the strong winds and subsequent downpour.

According to reports, the 38-year-old deceased was the driver of a decorator contracted for the event. He was fatally struck by the falling mast while attempting to salvage his employer’s decorating materials amid the chaos.

An eyewitness, speaking under anonymity, confirmed that the impact killed the man instantly.

The source stated, ‘’We were all gathered at the stadium waiting for the commencement of the praise night when the breeze began. Unfortunately, the mast fell and killed the man instantly. His head was shattered and it was a gory sight.

I gathered that he was a driver to the person who was at the stadium to decorate the venue. Most people had to leave the stadium after the rain subsided.”

His body has since been removed and deposited in the morgue.

The state police command is however, yet to comment on the incident