One dies in Onitsha building collapse

By Monday Ajogun

The Police have confirmed the death of one person from the two people rescued in a tragic incident involving the collapse of a two-storey building along Prince Chinedu Akwuaka Street in Akpaka GRA 33, on Tuesday in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Awka.

Ikenga noted that the incident happened at about 9:00 a.m. as two people were rescued.

“Unfortunately, one of the recused victims was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty, while the other was stabilised and is responding to treatment.

“The remains of the deceased had since been deposited at the hospital for preservation and autopsy.

“Rescue efforts are still ongoing, and the command, in collaboration with emergency agencies, is making efforts to ensure no other persons remain trapped under the debris,” he said.

Ikenga noted the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has extended condolences to the family of the deceased.

Orutugu assured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring safety while working with relevant agencies to prevent future occurrences.

Confirming the incident on Friday in Onitsha, Mr Tony Nweze, the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, said that he had ordered the immediate cordoning off of the site to prevent further injuries.

According to him, the collapse may not be an isolated incident, blaming possible regulatory breaches or construction malpractice in the area.

Nwora pledged full investigation to determine the remote cause of the collapse, assuring prosecution of anyone found culpable.

Narrating the ordeal, a resident in the area, Mr Osinachi Chukwudi, explained that there was a heavy sound before another louder sound and the building collapsed on the occupants.

Chukwudi also confirmed that one of the surviving victims was rescued almost immediately and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the other victim who was rescued later alive and taken to the hospital later died.