Three killed in Onitsha building collapse

Three people were feared killed yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, when a four-storey building, under construction, collapsed after an early morning downpour.

The building, situated on No 24, Obanye Street in Odoakpu, near Onitsha General Post Office, collapsed at about 3:30pm. The collapsed building is said to be valued at over N40 million.

It could not be confirmed yesterday if three people died. An eye witness said nobody died as workers had closed for the day when it happened. He said workers were sighted at the building at about 8am.

A mechanic, Mr. Willy Chima, told our reporter that he had his workshop on the land before it was sold for the erection of the four-storey building. Chima said the building could have given way because the soil had persistently been ravaged by flood.

He noted that the land should have been sand-filled before the erection of a structure of such magnitude.

At the scene of the incident in Obanye Street, sympathisers were seen discussing in groups.

Sources said inferior materials could have been used in the construction. Tiny iron rods were seen hanging-out and the building appeared sunk below its foundation.

A woman from Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area, who allegedly owned the building and lives in Abuja, was said to own another five-storey building, which is almost completed at the back of the collapsed structure.

The contractor handling the project was said to have visited the site on hearing about the unfortunate incident.

Another eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the builders and labourers did not work due to a downpour, which started at about 6:30 a.m.

“We heard a heavy sound and as most of the neighbourhoods in the street rushed out, we saw the uncompleted building collapsing.

“It was a big surprise to all of us. We have noticed recently that work in the building was going on at a high speed.

“It is just a pity, what a huge financial loss. But thank God, no one was working in the building today and no one was injured in the incident,’’ he said.

A three-storey building undergoing construction at Okofia–Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area also collapsed.

Work was going on when the building caved in, trapping about seven workers. Although nobody died, six were wounded, three critically. They were rushed to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and a private hospital.

Chief Christopher Akabogu, a businessman based in Kano, is said to be the owner of the building. The contractor was said to have used inferior materials.

President General of the Community, Mr Alphonsus Amiebue said that the villagers mobilised to rescue the victims but could not ascertain if some were buried alive.