Six Dead, 20 injured in Onitsha Building Collapse – SEMA

Emmanuel EjioforFebruary 27, 20241 Mins read529

Debris from the building collapse in Ochanja market. Photo Source: X

The building collapse incident that took place on Monday in Onitsha, Anambra State, killed six persons, according to the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

In a statement released on Tuesday, Feb. 27, the agency also reported that around 20 individuals were saved from the building collapse, many of whom were injured and are now receiving medical care in a nearby hospital.

The incident had taken place in the evening, around 8 pm, at a site in Ochanja where a three-story building was being constructed to serve as a market upon completion. Unfortunately, the collapse occurred while workers and traders were still present in the building.

Following the disaster, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, made a visit to the collapse site to assess the damage and understand the cause. Expressing his dismay, Governor Soludo assured that those affected by this unfortunate event would see justice served.

The governor emphasised that a thorough investigation would be conducted, promising that the developer, the market chairman, and anyone else involved would face legal action and potential imprisonment.

Governor Soludo also highlighted that any future constructions within the market areas of Anambra State would need his direct approval. He made it clear that the remaining structures associated with the same developer as the collapsed building would be demolished once rescue operations concluded.

Governor Soludo, accompanied by senior government officials, directed that additional excavators be brought to the site to aid in the ongoing rescue efforts, aiming to find and save any other individuals who might still be trapped under the rubble.

The state’s Commissioner for Special Duties, Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured them that the government would hold those responsible accountable.