About 30 persons allegedly lost their lives in Calabar after a high tension cable fell on the roof of a football viewing centre. About 10 people were rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.
Survivors suffered severe burns to their hands, legs and face. The police and power holding authority issued a statement earlier on today to commiserate with families who lost loved ones in the incident. One of the survivors currently receiving treatment recounted the unfortunate incident.
He said: “It happened at the 38th minute of the match. First we noticed a spark on the cable outside, and as everyone was scrambling to leave place, the cable fell on the roof of building. All my friends who sat beside me were killed. Many were severely burnt. I was lucky to be alive. Before I was taken to hospital, I counted eight dead bodies. I saw many in critical condition.” Another eyewitness said: “It happened during the match between Manchester United and Anderlecht. I heard a deafening bang. I rushed out to see what was happening. It was a horrible sight to behold.I wish I didn’t come out to watch the match. Come to think of it, I have DStv at home but I enjoy watching matches at viewing centres. I could have been dead. I can’t believe that the people I was chatting and joking with a few minutes ago are all gone in a most anguishing way. This world is vain.”
A man identified as Chucks Chukwudi, whose shop is located next to the viewing centre, said: “People started entering the viewing centre at about 7:30pm. The first half had just ended when the high tension cable cut and fell on the room. “The centre was so crowded, and people were falling on each other when the incident happened. There were many deaths and many injuries. We called the police, and they came minutes later and evacuated the bodies".
President Buhari through his media aide Garba shehu expressed shock over the gruesome death of football lovers. Also, Premier League club Manchester United has sent a condolence message to supporters of the club, their friends and families who were affected by the tragedy in Calabar, on Thursday, April 20. In a post on the team's official Twitter handle, Manchester United expressed grief over the tragic accident.
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