There was panic in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Sunday, as a two-storey building collapsed and left four persons critically injured.
The incident, which happened around 4.34pm at No. 10 Amaram Extension Street, less than a kilometre away from the Dan Anyiam Stadium, where the governor-elect of the state, Emeka Ihedioha held an interdenominational church service ahead of his inauguration on Wednesday, caused pandemonium in the area.
Our correspondent, who visited the scene, saw rescue workers, including policemen and residents, attending to the victims.
A policeman, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that four persons, including a female occupant, were rescued from under the rubble.
“On arrival, we saw people already on a rescue mission. We quickly swung into action and rescued four persons. Two, who are critically injured, have been rushed to hospital,” he said.
One of the survivors, who identified himself simply as Paul, stated that he had to jump out of the building after he heard a strange noise.
He said immediately after he jumped out of the building, it caved in.
An eyewitness said, “This building has remained uncompleted for over 20 years. This is highly unfortunate. The blocks have been soaked in water, leading to its collapse. Surprisingly, the owner left this place 15 minutes before the collapse.
“It is my suggestion that buildings that have stayed long without being completed should be either be demolished or taken over by the government. Such buildings are a death trap.”
PUNCH
