Panic in Anambra as Two-Storey Building Collapses in Ekeoyibo Market, Trapping Many
July 4, 2024 –
By Emmanuel Sixtus
Tragedy struck the Ekeoyibo market in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a two-storey building under construction suddenly collapsed on Thursday afternoon. The incident has left many feared trapped under the rubble, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising urgent questions about building standards and safety.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The building, which housed traders and shop owners, crumbled unexpectedly around 12 noon. Eyewitnesses reported a scene of chaos and panic as the structure gave way, burying numerous traders and customers beneath the debris. The collapse has created a state of alarm among the traders and residents, many of whom have called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to initiate rescue operations. As of the latest reports, two victims have been successfully rescued and taken to Amawbia Maternity Home for medical care. However, the exact number of individuals still trapped under the debris remains unknown.
Eyewitness Accounts and Preliminary Causes
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with the building suddenly crumbling and trapping those inside. “It was a normal trading day, and then we heard a loud crash. The building just came down, and people started running and screaming,” said one trader who narrowly escaped the collapse.
Some traders and residents have attributed the disaster to substandard engineering work, alleging that the structural integrity of the building was compromised. “We noticed cracks in the building, but nobody took it seriously. The materials used were not up to standard,” said another trader who requested anonymity.
Others pointed to the persistent rainfall over the past week as a potential contributing factor. The heavy rains could have weakened the building’s foundation, leading to the catastrophic collapse.
Official Response and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and detailed the immediate response. “In response to a distress call today, 4/7/2024 at about 12:40 pm of a building collapse at Ekeoyibo market, Amawbia, police operatives have rescued two victims and taken them to the hospital for medical care,” stated SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command.
On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led a team to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. The area has been cordoned off to facilitate the rescue operations and ensure the safety of emergency workers and bystanders.
Community Reaction and Calls for Investigation
The collapse has caused widespread panic in the community, with many residents expressing deep concern over building safety standards. “This is a wake-up call for all of us. We need to ensure that buildings are constructed with the right materials and proper oversight,” said a local community leader.
The incident has also prompted calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to prevent future occurrences. “We need to hold those responsible accountable. Whether it’s due to poor construction practices or other factors, this cannot continue,” said another resident.
Conclusion
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on saving those still trapped and providing care for the injured. The collapse of the two-storey building at Ekeoyibo market highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes and greater oversight in construction projects. The community of Amawbia and beyond awaits the findings of the investigation, hoping for measures that will prevent such tragedies in the future.
