Scene of a collapsed building
A two-storey residential building located on Prince Chinedu Akwuaka Street in Onitsha tragically collapsed on Tuesday, leaving one person dead and another injured after being trapped under the rubble.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Tony Nweze, announced that the premises had been sealed off to avert further casualties.
“I have ordered the immediate cordoning off of the site to prevent further injuries,” he said.
Mr. Nweze suggested that the collapse might be linked to broader structural or regulatory issues.
“The collapse may not be an isolated incident,” he said, alluding to potential lapses in building standards.
He also assured the public of a thorough investigation, pledging that “anyone found culpable will be prosecuted.”
A resident, Mr. Osinachi Chukwudi, who witnessed the disaster, recounted hearing two loud noises before the structure gave way.
“There was a heavy sound before another louder sound and the building collapsed on the occupants,” he narrated.
Chukwudi noted that one of the victims was quickly pulled out and rushed to a nearby hospital. Sadly, the second occupant, though initially rescued alive, later succumbed to injuries.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
(NAN)
