Two people have been confirmed dead, while three others were rescued after a three-storey hostel building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, collapsed in Amaokpala, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building, Elite Five Star Lodge, reportedly contained about 60 rooms and collapsed on Sunday night, July 26, while occupants, most of them students, were inside.
Eyewitnesses said the structure suddenly gave way after a loud sound was heard. One resident, Ifeoma, told PUNCH that the noise drew students and neighbours to the scene moments before the building came crashing down.
“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the area to see what had happened.
“Within moments after the loud noise, people started shouting for help as the building came crashing down,” she said.
Rescue operations commenced in the early hours of Monday, with personnel from the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies working together to search the debris. Heavy-duty excavators and specialised equipment were deployed to locate survivors while ensuring the safety of rescue workers.
The acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, confirmed that one female victim was recovered dead while three injured persons were rescued alive and taken to hospital.
“One female body was recovered, while three persons were rescued and taken to the hospital. The rescue operation will continue until every section of the debris has been thoroughly searched,” Omega said.
However, rescue efforts later recovered the body of another male victim, bringing the death toll to two.
The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters immediately joined other emergency responders in the search operation upon arrival at the scene.
“Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency responders.
“Regrettably, one female victim was recovered from the rubble. She was confirmed dead at the scene, and her body was evacuated and handed over to the appropriate authorities for deposition in a morgue.
“Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to determine whether any other persons remain trapped beneath the debris.
“The cause of the building collapse was yet to be determined and remains under investigation,” Chiketa said.
He appealed to members of the public to stay away from the scene to enable emergency personnel to carry out rescue operations safely and without obstruction.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said police officers swiftly secured the area after receiving a distress call and coordinated rescue operations alongside other agencies.
“On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger and coordinated rescue efforts,” Ikenga said.
He added: “Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving treatment.
“Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.”
