Many Trapped as Four-Storey Building Collapses in Onitsha
- A four-storey building under construction at Dennis Memorial Grammar School in Onitsha, Anambra state, collapsed on June 12, trapping several people in the debris
- Although no fatalities have been confirmed, concerns persist for the trapped individuals as rescue efforts continue
- Authorities, including COREN, are investigating the cause, citing possible human error
On Wednesday, June 12, a four-storey building under construction at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) in Onitsha, Anambra state, collapsed, trapping several people under the debris.
The incident occurred around 7:15 a.m., when the building, nearing completion, suddenly gave way.
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Eyewitnesses reported that the structure began to cave in from the top floor before collapsing entirely into rubble.
Although no fatalities have been confirmed, concerns remain about the survival of those trapped within the debris. A source at the school revealed that significant funds had been invested in the construction project, heightening the sense of loss.
“The building started caving in from the last floor until it came down to the rubbles,” the source said.
They also noted that the students’ hostel was located far from the building site, preventing a potentially more severe outcome.
Chijioke Ojji, the Director of Operations for DMGS Centenary, described the incident as irretrievable and expressed the possibility of casualties.
Efforts are currently underway to account for everyone and ensure the safety of those around the collapsed building.
Human error cause of collapse
According to reports, the construction of the school building was funded by a prominent billionaire from the state.
Victor Meju, the Chairman of the Anambra State Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), confirmed the collapse and suggested that human error might be a contributing factor.
COREN plans to conduct a forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
Meju indicated that he had inspected some of the building materials and found them satisfactory, but emphasised the need for a thorough investigation.
He also mentioned that evacuation efforts were ongoing, with personnel from the police command, Federal Road Safety Commission, the Deputy Governor of Anambra state, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and various state commissioners present at the scene.
Building collapses in Anambra
Legit.ng earlier reported that Anambra State recently witnessed another building collapse while under construction, with reports indicating that several construction workers were inside at the time.
The collapsed five-storey building was located at Basden Street in Fegge, Onitsha. Confirming the situation, Chike Mmaduekwe, the chairman of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, said the government only approved a three-story building.
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Source: Legit.ng
