Two dead, three rescued following collapse of hostel in Anambra

Two persons have been confirmed dead and three others rescued after a three-storey students’ hostel collapsed in Amaokpala, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, triggering a massive emergency response and renewed concerns over building safety in the state.

The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, reportedly contained about 60 rooms and collapsed on Sunday night while occupants, most of them students, were inside. The incident threw residents into panic as an unknown number of people were feared trapped beneath the rubble before emergency responders arrived.

Eyewitnesses said the structure suddenly gave way after a loud sound was heard. One resident, Ifeoma, told PUNCH Metro that the noise drew students and neighbours to the scene moments before the building came crashing down.

“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the area to see what had happened.

“Within moments after the loud noise, people started shouting for help as the building came crashing down,” she said.

Rescue operations commenced in the early hours of Monday, with personnel from the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies working together to search the debris. Heavy-duty excavators and specialised equipment were deployed to locate survivors while ensuring the safety of rescue workers.

The acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, confirmed that one female victim was recovered dead while three injured persons were rescued alive and taken to hospital.

“One female body was recovered, while three persons were rescued and taken to the hospital. The rescue operation will continue until every section of the debris has been thoroughly searched,” Omega said.

However, rescue efforts later recovered the body of another male victim, bringing the death toll to two.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters immediately joined other emergency responders in the search operation upon arrival at the scene.

“Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency responders.

“Regrettably, one female victim was recovered from the rubble. She was confirmed dead at the scene, and her body was evacuated and handed over to the appropriate authorities for deposition in a morgue.

“Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to determine whether any other persons remain trapped beneath the debris.

“The cause of the building collapse was yet to be determined and remains under investigation,” Chiketa said.

He appealed to members of the public to stay away from the scene to enable emergency personnel carry out rescue operations safely and without obstruction.

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said police officers swiftly secured the area after receiving a distress call and coordinated rescue operations alongside other agencies.

“On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger and coordinated rescue efforts,” Ikenga said.

He added:

“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving treatment.

“Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.”

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has sealed off the collapsed building to facilitate rescue operations and a full investigation into the incident.

A NEMA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the premises had been barricaded to prevent interference from onlookers and to enable investigators determine the cause of the collapse. The official noted that students and residents had initially gathered around the site, hampering the work of emergency responders.

Authorities said rescue operations and structural investigations would continue until all sections of the debris are cleared and every possible victim is accounted for.