The Anambra State Police Command, on Thursday said two construction workers have been rescued from the debris of the three-storey building collapse that occurred along the axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka, of the state.
The structure, located near the CBN building in Awka and beside Diamond Pizza, opposite Five Star Restaurant, was at its roofing stage before it collapsed late on Wednesday while some construction workers were still working at the site.
According to eyewitnesses, the building suddenly caved in without any prior sign, adding that bystanders and passers-by were carrying out rescue operations before the arrival of the state officials, including the men of the fire service and officials from the materials testing department of the state ministry of housing.
An eyewitness and a resident in the area said, “We heard a series of thunderous sounds and rushed out to investigate, only to witness the building crumbling to the ground.
“The sounds attracted other passersby and commuters who later joined in the efforts to assist in rescue efforts.”
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Although the cause of the collapse has yet to be ascertained, the scene has been cordoned off with ribbons by security operatives.
Confirming the rescue of the two workers, the spokesman for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said they were immediately rushed to the hospital and are responding to treatment.
Ikenga, however, said no life was lost in the collapse, adding that the site engineer and the owner of the structure have been invited for interrogation.
He said, “We have rescued two workers from the rubbles of the collapsed structure late in the night. And they have been taken to a hospital.
“For now, no life was lost as the victims are responding to treatment.
“The scene has been cordoned off, and rescue operations are still ongoing to ensure no one is still trapped in the rubbles.
“Meanwhile, the site engineer and the owner of the building have been invited for questioning.”
However, the officials of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority have also visited the site of the collapse to ascertain the extent of damage and cause.
According to a press statement by its Managing Director, Ozo Ossy Onuko, on Thursday, a panel of enquiry had been set up to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the collapse.
“Officials of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority have visited the site of a collapsed three-storey building under construction near Diamond Pizza, opposite Five Star Restaurant, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awka, Anambra State.
“The agency has immediately constituted a panel of inquiry to determine the remote and immediate cause of the collapse. Further details will be communicated as they unravel,” the statement added.
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