The heavy duty truck with, number plates Anambra, KD 869 GDD, was heading to Akwa Ibom State, when it hit the overhead power line, leading to an explosion and fire outbreak at the overhead cable criss-crossing the area.
In the confusion, two tricycles were damaged while a driver, some passengers and passers-by were severely injured by the falling electric poles.
The situation caused panic in the area as people abandoned their shops and vehicles for safety, while others tried to rescue the injured persons.
A shop owner in the area, who gave her name as Amara, said:-
“I was inside my shop when I heard a loud explosion. The truck, while driving through the junction, hit the overhead electric cable.
“There was fire, The poles were falling and people ran in different directions.
One of the electric poles hit a tricycle and injured the driver and his passengers. “You know that Opobo Junction is a very busy place anytime.
“On several occasions, I have seen truck drivers and their conductors using wooden planks to raise the power cables before they pass through the junction.”