Many Escape death As truck crashes into electric poles in Abia

About 15 persons escaped death by the whiskers on Monday in Abia State after a truck rammed into an electric power line.

The incident, which occurred at Opobo Junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba, saw the heavy duty truck with, number plates Anambra, KD 869 GDD, which was heading to Akwa Ibom State, crash into three poles, leaving two tricycle riders and their passengers severely injured.

The Nation learnt that the truck rammed into the electric pole and hit the overhead power line which led to an explosion and fire outbreak at the overhead cable criss-crossing the area.

The incident caused panic in the area as two tricycles were damaged while a driver, some passengers and passers-by were severely injured by the falling electric poles.

People also abandoned their shops and vehicles for safety, while others tried to rescue the injured persons.

Eyewitnesses say the fire, which emanated as a result, fell poles and saw people run in different directions.

They also alleged that truck drivers and their conductors on several occasions, used wooden planks to raise the power cables before they pass through the junction.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Nta Ogbonnaya Nta, , who confirmed the incident, said the matter is being handled by the Ogbor Hill Police Division while the injured persons have been taken to the hospital.