By Our Reporter
A two-storey building under construction, housing shops in Eke Awka, Anambra State, collapsed at around noon on Thursday, leaving many feared dead and numerous others trapped in the rubble.
Eyewitnesses report that the building suddenly crumbled, burying numerous vegetable traders beneath the debris. So far, one person has been rescued and taken to Amawbia Maternity Home for urgent medical attention, but many more are believed to be trapped inside the wreckage.
Police officers arrived promptly to coordinate rescue efforts and maintain order as various rescue teams worked tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble.
Traders who witnessed the collapse blamed the disaster on substandard engineering work, alleging that the building’s structural integrity had been compromised.
The atmosphere at the market is tense, with onlookers anxiously awaiting news of loved ones feared trapped in the building. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
The Anambra State Government has yet to comment on the incident but promised to release a statement soon. As rescue efforts continue, the death toll remains uncertain, but fears are mounting that the tragedy may have claimed multiple lives.
The bustling Eke Awka market has been plunged into mourning, with traders and residents struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that they responded to a distress call about the building collapse. They cordoned off the scene and rescued two victims, who were taken to the hospital for medical care. PPRO SP Tochukwu Ikenga said, “On the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led operatives to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. The area has been cordoned off, and rescue operations are still ongoing.”