Two-storey Building Collapses in Anambra

A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Monday in Umuoma Village, Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The building collapse caused panic in the community. Eyewitnesses said some construction workers at the site narrowly escaped death on Monday evening when the structure began to cave in after loud cracking sounds were heard from the walls.

The building, which was intended to serve as a hotel, had tilted dangerously to different sides after partially collapsing.

Uzor, a resident of the community, told Punch that over 20 workers were on the second floor of the structure when it suddenly began to cave in.

“Prior to the collapse, more than 20 workers were seen busy working at various sections of the building. But hours later, at about 5 p.m., the structure started caving in following loud cracks from the second floor. Luckily, none of the workers was trapped, as they jumped down one after another,” Uzor said.

“The structure, still under construction, is designed to be a three-storey building and to be used for hotel business. It caved in such that both sides now slant in different directions from the top, posing a danger.

“The fortunate thing is that nobody was trapped in the structure. The speed at which the structure is being constructed and the heavy rainfall might have contributed to the collapse,” he added.

Amaka, another resident, blamed the collapse on what she described as hurried construction work and the possible use of substandard materials.

“How can you be putting blocks on top of ones that have not dried, and you know this is rainy season? And most of the iron rods we have today are inferior and not meant for storey buildings like this,” she said.

“Some government officials visited the site on Tuesday and sealed the premises to prevent further danger. Although the structure is still slanting and poses danger. A thorough investigation should be conducted to ascertain the cause of the collapse.”

The premises have been sealed and cordoned off with barriers and tape after officials of the Anambra State Urban and Town Planning Department visited the site on Tuesday.

An official at the scene of the building collapse said investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the collapse and whether proper approvals and building standards were followed.

“Authorities will move swiftly to establish how the structure failed and whether regulatory procedures were ignored, including whether the building had approval. From the report we received, the building caved in while some construction workers were on site. Fortunately, no life was lost. The Urban and Town Planning authorities have already sealed off the property, while further enforcement measures are underway,” the official said.

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, adding that the details remain sketchy.

“Yes, it’s true, but details are still sketchy. I’ll get back to you when I have the full information,” he said.

The building collapsed two days after a three-storey building under construction collapsed in the Durumi 3 area near Gudu Market in Abuja, leading to the death of no fewer than five people.