The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency has officially confirmed that six individuals lost their lives in the collapse of a building in Onitsha, a commercial city in Anambra State, occurring on Monday.
Additionally, approximately 20 individuals were rescued from the debris, with many sustaining injuries of varying severity. The injured are presently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
Regarding the incident, officials from SEMA stated that six bodies recovered from the wreckage have been placed in the morgue, while rescue efforts continue for any remaining trapped individuals.
Furthermore, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, visited the site of the collapsed building to assess the situation and assure the affected parties that justice will be served.
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The collapsed three-story building, which was still under construction and intended to become a market upon completion, collapsed at around 8 pm on Monday, trapping some workers and traders inside.
Governor Soludo expressed his dismay at the lack of awareness regarding the ongoing construction in the market area.
Governor Soludo vowed to prosecute and penalize all parties responsible for the disaster upon completion of investigations.
Additionally, he ordered the immediate demolition of another building under construction by the same developer, emphasizing that any construction in Anambra markets without his approval will face demolition.
Furthermore, he mandated that all existing buildings undergo an integrity test.
Commissioner for Special Duties, Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, also extended condolences to the victims’ families and ensured that the state government would hold accountable anyone found culpable in the incident.
The governor, accompanied by top government officials, directed the deployment of more excavators to aid ongoing rescue operations at the collapse site.
Rescue operations are still ongoing to locate any remaining trapped individuals amidst the rubble.
Earlier reports indicated that an unspecified number of individuals were trapped when the building under construction collapsed near Ochanja market in Onitsha, Anambra State, around 8 pm on Monday.
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