Many trapped as 2-storey building collapses in Anambra market

A two-storey building under construction at Ekeoyibo market, Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State has collapsed.

The two-storey building, which houses traders and shop owners collapsed Thursday afternoon.

Although, the casualty figure has yet to be made official, it was gathered that many were feared trapped under the rubble.

Eyewitnesses said the incident happened at about 12noon, creating panic among some of the traders and residents of the area.

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The eyewitnesses said the two-storey building suddenly crumbled, burying numerous traders beneath the debris.

As of the time of filing this report, one person had been rescued and rushed to Amawbia Maternity Home, but many more were believed to be trapped inside the rubble.

Some traders, who witnessed the collapse blamed the disaster on substandard engineering work, alleging that the building structural integrity was compromised.

Others blamed the collapse on the persistent rainfall since last week.

Meanwhile, rescue operation is currently ongoing, with emergency workers seriously searching for survivors.

The incident has sent panic to the community, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the collapse.

The spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident, said two victims had been rescued so far.

“In response to a distress call today, 4/7/2024 at about 12:40 pm of a building collapse at Ekeoyibo market, Amawbia, police operatives have rescued two victims and taken them to the hospital for medical care,” Ikenga said.

He stated that on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led operatives to the scene for on-the-spot assessment, adding that the area had been cordoned off.