One killed As Three-storey building Collapses in Anambra

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Sunday, September 28th, 2014

From Paul Ibe, Enugu

Tragedy struck at Eziora village, Adazi-Ani in Anaocha local government Area of Anambra State on Friday as a three storey building collapsed, killing one person and leaving 20 others with various degrees of injuries.

Owner of the building, Mr Uche Okeke told reporters that the incident occurred at about 3pm on September 25.

He explained that the building, which was jointly owned by him and his five other brothers, was at the completion stage when it collapsed.

“It is sad thing and we are still confused over the incident because we awarded the contract over a year ago to a professional after spending millions of naira on the project for use of quality materials.

“Over 20 men were at work on site when the incident happened.

“One worker was still trapped then and so we immediately ordered for earth moving equipment from Onitsha and around to remove the rubbles and to save his life.

“By that time, we had reported to the Police who also helped in the rescue mission, but unfortunately, the man under the rubble died before help could get his way.”

He said that the body of the deceased had been deposited at St. Joseph’s Hospital morgue, at Adazi-Nnukwu near the scene of incident.

One of the labourers, who identified himself as Mr Olisa Obaze, said he broke his knee cap in an attempt to jump down from the three-storey building.

“We were carrying blocks up stairs when we suddenly heard a large crack sound.

“We started running for safety and I had to jump from the three-storey building. After the incident, we started calling on our members and realized that one man was still under the debris,” he added.

Confirming the report, Anaocha local Council Chairman, Mr Ikeobi Ejiofor, expressed sadness over the ugly development, promising that the council authority would launch a private investigation into the causes of the collapse.

He added that the report would be forwarded to the state government for further action.

The state Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, Mr Uchenna Ezeh, confirmed the incident. In his words, one man was killed while many others were wounded.

He could, however, not ascertain the name of the deceased as at the time of filling this report.