Five Reportedly Trapped As Three-Storey Building Collapses In Abia

A three-storey building collapsed in Umumbi, Abia State, trapping five people inside. The building, which was still under construction, collapsed on Friday, according to residents.

Premium Times reported that Onyeka Egbule, a resident, confirmed that the building was still under construction when it collapsed. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the Abia State Government mobilizing trucks and equipment to search for survivors.

The cause of the collapse is not yet known, but speculation suggests that substandard building materials may have contributed to the incident. An investigation into the collapse has been launched, and some individuals are expected to be arrested for their role in the incident.

“Five people were working yesterday (Friday) when the building collapsed on them,” Mr Egbule, whose apartment is located a few miles from the building said.

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The fate of the workers trapped in the collapsed building remains uncertain, as officials couldn’t confirm whether they had died. However, a resident named Jude reported that three carpenters who were working on the roof survived the collapse, but their current whereabouts are unknown.

The building’s owner, who is based outside Nigeria, had entrusted his siblings in the country to oversee the project. Speculations suggest that substandard building materials may have contributed to the collapse.

The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kalu, confirmed the incident and stated that rescue efforts were undertaken on Friday, with the state government mobilizing trucks and equipment for the operation.

The commissioner said, although he was yet to be fully briefed on the incident, “some persons” died in the collapse.

“We are investigating this collapse. The governor has ordered an investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the building collapse,” he said.

He hinted that “some persons would have been arrested by now” for their role in the collapse of the building.