The Anambra State Police Command said two construction workers have been rescued from the debris of the three-storey building collapse that occurred along the axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka, of the state.
The structure, located near the CBN building in Awka and beside Diamond Pizza, opposite Five Star Restaurant, was at its roofing stage before it collapsed late on Wednesday while some construction workers were still working at the site.
Eyewitnesses near the scene said it suddenly caved in without any prior sign, adding that bystanders and passers-by were carrying out rescue operations before the arrival of the state officials, including the men of the fire service and officials from the materials testing department of the state ministry of housing.
An eyewitness and a resident in the area said, “We heard a series of thunderous sounds and rushed out to investigate, only to witness the building crumbling to the ground. The sounds attracted other passersby and commuters who later joined in the efforts to assist in rescue efforts”.
Although the cause of the collapse has yet to be ascertained, the scene has been cordoned off with ribbons by security operatives.
The spokesman for the state police, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the rescue of the two workers to our correspondent on Thursday, said they were immediately rushed to the hospital and are responding to treatment.
Ikenga also clarified no life was lost in the collapse, adding that the site engineer and the owner of the structure have been invited for interrogation.
