Telecom mast collapses during storm, damages residential building in Ogun

A powerful afternoon thunderstorm on Tuesday caused a communication mast to collapse onto a residential building in Unity Estate, Alagbole, Ogun State, though no lives were lost.

At approximately 2:39 p.m. local time, the Ogun State Police Command received an urgent distress call from Mr. Moses Olalere, who reported that fierce winds and heavy rainfall had caused a 60-meter communication mast, owned by IHS Company and situated in Ajuwon, Akute, to buckle and fall.

The fallen structure struck the two-story home of Mr. Adewale Okonjo, a landlord and long-time resident of Unity Estate.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described how the mast, which had been standing less than 50 meters from the dwelling, swayed violently in the gusting winds before crumpling and crashing onto the roof.

“The rain was so heavy, we could barely see beyond a few meters,” said Mr. Olalere. “Suddenly, there was a loud crack followed by a crushing sound. Within seconds, the mast had fallen right through the roof.”

At the time of the incident, Mr. Okonjo was inside his living room on the ground floor. He was struck by falling debris but managed to crawl out of the house before neighbors arrived to assist.

Paramedics from the Alagbole Community Health Center arrived within minutes of the police alert and attended to Mr. Okonjo’s injuries.

He sustained only minor bruises and was discharged later that evening after a brief observation, police spokesperson ACP Funke Adeoye confirmed.

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In response to the collapse, Comissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo convened an emergency meeting with area commanders and representatives from the Ogun State Meteorological Agency.

CP Ogunlowo directed all divisional and area commanders to immediately inspect communication masts and other tall structures in proximity to residential neighborhoods. “The safety of lives and property is paramount,” he stated. “We must ensure these installations are anchored and maintained to withstand severe weather conditions.”

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had issued a thunderstorm advisory for Ogun State earlier in the day, warning residents of potential wind gusts exceeding 60 km/h and localized flooding. Although power was temporarily cut to several parts of Alagbole as a precaution, service was restored by midnight after grid operators assessed and cleared downed power lines.

IHS Company engineers arrived at the site on Wednesday morning to initiate a preliminary structural assessment of their mast.

A company spokesperson stated that they will cooperate fully with police and regulatory authorities, adding, “We regret any inconvenience caused by this incident and will take steps to reinforce all similar installations.”

The Ogun State Fire Service also conducted a secondary sweep of the neighborhood to check for gas leaks or electrical hazards.

As the investigation continues, residents are being urged to report any signs of structural damage to local authorities. Further updates will be provided once a full technical evaluation of the mast and its anchoring system is completed