Three trees inside Jattu Market in Etsako West local government Area (LGA) of Edo state has simultaneously fell on people taking cover under it and others in their shops, killing four on the spot.
Unspecified numbers of persons were also said to have been injured in the tragedy.
Some traders and buyers were reported to have took cover under the trees following a rainfall at about 8Am and 8:30AM when the incident occurred.
Blueprint gathered that the windstorm which accompanied the rain uprooted the over 100-year trees.
A source in the area who simply identified himself as Sule said: “the trees wreck havoc in the community. Four persons died and they have been taken to the mortuary; while those who sustained injuries have also been taken to the hospital for treatment.”
The Chairman, Etsako West LGA, Mr. Marvellous Zibiri confirmed the death four persons and described the incident as tragic.
According to Zibiri “the market is the largest in Edo North attended by traders from within and outside Edo State. The casualties would have been much if not for the rain that prevented traders and other persons from coming very early.
“These are over 100 years old trees, but the wind uprooted them simultaneously.”
Continuing, the council boss who advised people to stay indoors during rainfall, sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives and others who sustained injuries.
He added that the council will repair the destroyed structures and cutdown all trees in the market.