A two-storey building under construction collapsed at the Ekeoyibo Market in Amawbia, Anambra State, Nigeria, on Thursday, potentially trapping numerous people under the rubble. The incident occurred around noon, causing panic among traders and local residents.
Eyewitnesses report that the building, which housed traders and shop owners, suddenly crumbled. While the exact casualty figure remains uncertain, there are fears of potential loss of life. As of Thursday evening, rescue operations were ongoing, with emergency responders working tirelessly to search for survivors.
The state police command, led by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that two victims had been rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical care. The police have cordoned off the area, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations is overseeing the rescue efforts.
This collapse comes on the heels of recent similar incidents in the region, including a five-storey building collapse at Dennis Memorial Grammar School and another at the Ochanja Market in Onitsha within the past four months.
Local traders attribute the disaster to substandard engineering work and compromised structural integrity, while others point to persistent rainfall in the area as a potential factor. The incident has sparked calls for an investigation into the cause of the collapse and a review of building safety standards in the region.
The atmosphere at the market remains tense, with onlookers anxiously awaiting news of further rescues. The state government has yet to comment officially on the incident but has promised to release a statement soon.
As rescue efforts continue, this tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about construction safety and building regulations in Nigeria. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to proper building standards and the need for regular structural inspections to prevent such disasters in the future.
