Workers Escape Unhurt as Three-Storey Hotel Under Construction Collapses in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Monday in Umuoma Village, Umuoji, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, sparking concerns over the quality of materials used for the project.

No casualty was recorded in the incident.

The structure, reportedly being developed as a hotel, was said to have been bustling with workers shortly before it gave way.

When reporters visited the scene, the premises had already been sealed off by state authorities, while some workers were seen evacuating their belongings from the site.

Residents and eyewitnesses who spoke anonymously blamed the collapse on alleged substandard materials and poor construction practices by the contractor handling the project.

According to one resident, concerns had earlier been raised about the quality of the iron rods and other materials used for the building.

“We observed the shape of the building and the kind of iron rods being used and suspected that inferior materials were being used for the project. Sadly, our fears were confirmed when the building collapsed hours later,” the source said.

The resident, however, expressed relief that none of the workers was trapped in the debris.

Another eyewitness, identified simply as Jeremiah, alleged that construction work was being rushed without allowing materials adequate time to solidify before additional layers were added.

“How can blocks be placed on top of ones that have not properly dried? The iron rods used were also not strong enough for a structure of this magnitude,” he said.

He commended the swift action taken by authorities in sealing off the premises pending further investigation.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said details surrounding the collapse were still being gathered.

“Yes, the incident happened, but the details are still sketchy. I will provide more information as soon as it becomes available,” he stated, adding that police operatives had cordoned off the area.