Tenant Dies, Others Injured as 2-Storey Residential Building Collapse in Onitsha

By Praise Chinecherem

One person has been confirmed dead while unconfirmed number sustained varying degrees of injury in a building collapse in Akpaka GRA Phase II, Onitsha, in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra state.

The two-storey residential building located along Prince Chinedu Akwuaka Street reportedly caved in on Thursday, trapping two occupants, one of whom was later confirmed dead.

Recounting his ordeal, one of the survivors, living on the second floor of the building, said his wife had left for work with their daughter and was alone in the flat when the incident happened.

He said he first heard a heavy sound before another louder one as the building collapsed on him.

“The building fell on me, and I feared for my life. I prayed to God to spare me at least for the good things I have done for people.

“After the building fell, it was dark, and I could hear someone else crying for help. With difficulty, I navigated through the debris and came out with physical injuries.

“Thank God medical examination and lab results later confirmed the injuries were not life-threatening.

He continued, “the other victim, who was initially trapped in a different section of the building and shouting for help, was later rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital alive.

“Unfortunately, despite emergency care, he later gave up due to severe injuries he sustained, particularly the fractures he had on his head.

“He was confirmed dead later in the evening, throwing his young family into mourning.”

Chairman, Onitsha North Local Government Area, Nweze Tony who later visited the scene with emergency responders and local security officers, ordered the immediate cordoning off of the site to prevent further injuries.

According to him, the collapse might not be an isolated incident, blaming possible regulatory breaches or construction malpractice in the area.

Nwora however pledged full investigation to determine the remote cause of the collapse, just as he assured prosecution of anyone found culpable.