From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
A two-storey building housing shops under construction in Eke Awka, Anambra State, has collapsed, leaving many feared dead and many more trapped in the rubble.
*Daily Sun* reports that the devastating building collapse occurred at approximately 12 noon on Thursday, striking fear into the hearts of traders and residents in the area.
Eyewitnesses report that the ill-fated two-storey shop building suddenly crumbled, burying numerous vegetable traders beneath the debris.
As of press time, one person had been rescued and rushed to Amawbia Maternity Home for urgent medical attention, but many more are believed to still be trapped inside the wreckage.
A large contingent of police officers arrived at the scene to coordinate rescue efforts and maintain order as various rescue teams battled to salvage the situation.
Traders who witnessed the collapse blamed the disaster on substandard engineering work, alleging that the buildingâs structural integrity had been compromised.
The rescue operation is ongoing, with emergency responders working tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble.
The atmosphere at the market is tense, with onlookers anxiously awaiting news of loved ones feared trapped in the building.
Read also: Baby dies, others injured as two-storey building collapses in Lagos
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
The Anambra State Government is yet to comment on the incident but promised to release a statement soon.
As the rescue efforts continue, the death toll remains uncertain, but fears are mounting that the tragedy may have claimed multiple lives.
The Eke Awka market, a bustling commercial hub, has been plunged into mourning, with traders and residents struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
However, the Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and disclosed that the command, in response to a distress call about a building collapse at Eke Awka market, cordoned off the scene, rescued two victims, and took them to the hospital for medical care.
The PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, said, “Meanwhile, 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.”
