Chinedum Treasure
Several persons were feared dead and others trapped following a sudden collapse of a two-storey building in Eke Amawbia market in Awka, Anambra State.
Numerous vegetable traders were reportedly buried beneath the debris of the building which caved in around 12 noon on Thursday.
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 be trapped inside the wreckage.
Traders who witnessed the collapse blamed the disaster on substandard engineering work, alleging that the building’s structural integrity had been compromised.
A large contingent of police officers has arrived at the scene to coordinate rescue efforts and maintain order.
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 waiting for news of loved ones feared trapped in the building.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said two victims have so far been rescued while operations continued.
He said, “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.
“Meanwhile, on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led operatives at the scene for on-the-spot assessment, the area has been cordoned off and rescue Operations are still ongoing.
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