At least 30 football fans are feared dead in Calabar, the Cross River State capital after a high tension cable reportedly fell on them late on Thursday.
The fans were gathered at a viewing centre in Atimbo area of Calabar to watch the Uefa Europa League game between Manchester United and RSC Anderlecht.
More than 80 persons were said to be in the hall when the live high tension cable reportedly broke off from its anchor and fell on the viewing centre which housed the fans causing panic.
The exact official figure of casualties could not be ascertained but around 30 people are reported to have been killed in the incident.
A fan told Punch, “It happened during the match between Manchester United and Anderlecht. I heard a deafening bang. I rushed out to see what was happening. When I turned back to go inside the viewing centre, I saw a cable coming down on the centre and this electrocuted the viewers in the hall.
“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.”
The Cross River Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.
She said the number of casualties would be confirmed on Friday.
