Tragedy strikes as broadcast mast kills man in Benin City

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Tragedy struck at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City as a middle-aged man was struck dead by a falling broadcast mast at the stadium.

The incident occurred during heavy winds that preceded a downpour, which disrupted a praise night planned as part of activities to mark Governor Monday Okpebholo’s 100 days in office.

The victim, said to be the driver of the person contracted to decorate the stadium, was reportedly killed by the mast when he tried to salvage his boss’s decorating materials.

A police officer at the scene of the incident, who pleaded anonymity, said the heavy wind caused the mast to fall on the victim.

“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,” he said.

Spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, could not be reached for confirmation of the incident at the time of filing this report.