A three-storey building with four suspended floors collapsed behind the Anambra State House of Assembly in Okpuno Awka, Anambra State. The incident occurred around 11:40 AM on Thursday, causing panic among residents and passers-by, as several construction workers were reportedly trapped under the rubble.
Eyewitnesses reported that the building, still under construction and at the roofing stage, collapsed suddenly without any prior warning. The exact number of people trapped remains unknown as rescue operations began amidst chaos, hampered by a lack of necessary equipment like excavators.
According to Sir Victor Meju, Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Anambra State, the structure was a five-storey building that had recently been roofed. Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse was due to a poor concrete mixture and possible foundation issues.
Authorities from the Ministry of Housing and the Awka Capital Territory Development Association have been notified and are on-site to monitor the situation and assist with rescue operations. The Anambra State Police Command has also been contacted for further information.
As efforts continue, the community remains on high alert, hoping for the safe recovery of those trapped.
