Again, Three People Die as Three-Storey Building Collapses
The ill-fated structure crumbled as construction workers were preparing to commence plastering work, catching them off guard. Among the victims were a father and his two children, who had arrived from the nearby Nimo community to participate in the construction project. Tragically, they lost their lives in the sudden collapse.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific incident as accompanied by a deafening noise that reverberated through the area. Swift rescue efforts were launched, and some individuals who were initially trapped under the rubble were successfully extracted and rushed to St. Felix Hospital in Nnewi for medical treatment.
Officials from the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Anambra State chapter, including Chairman Victor Meju, and the Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North LGA, Chris Obiora, promptly visited the scene of the tragedy. However, their rescue efforts were hindered when the excavator brought to the site experienced mechanical failure.
Addressing the media, Victor Meju pointed to several factors contributing to the building's collapse, citing issues with the foundation, concrete mixture, quality of materials, wearing cost capacity, and noncompliance with construction standards. Meju announced the immediate sealing-off of the site and stated that the building's owner, Mr. Chukwunafu Anamanjo, would be summoned for questioning, with a comprehensive investigation pending.
Chris Obiora, the Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North LGA, emphasized the importance of engaging certified engineers and qualified personnel in construction projects, urging residents to ensure adherence to stipulated standards through monitoring teams.
Arinze Okwuosa, the Sectoral Head of COREN responsible for Nnewi and its environs, expressed concern over apparent irregularities during the building's construction and called for government intervention to prevent future tragedies.
The bodies of the deceased victims have been transported to a local morgue in Nnewi.
As of the time of this report, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the state police command, had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath of this devastating collapse.
