At least three persons were confirmed dead after the collapse of a three-storey building under construction in Anambra community on Sunday.

The incident occurred in Egbu Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi community, Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The building collapsed at about 1:00 p.m. when the workers were said to be preparing to start plastering work.

A witness said the deceased, including a man and his two children, who had reported for the day’s job, allegedly died on the spot.

They were said to have been rushed to St. Felix Hospital, Nnewi, where they were confirmed dead.

Other workers rescued from the rubbles sustained varying degrees of injuries.

They were also said to have been taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

The chairman, Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Anambra chapter, Victor Meju, led some state officials of the council to the scene.

Addressing journalists at the scene of the incident, Mr Meju blamed the incident on poor foundation, concrete mixture, and quality of materials, as well as the non-approval by relevant regulatory authorities.

He said the building would be sealed off, and the owner, Chukwunafu Anamanjo, would be invited for questioning. 

Also, the transition committee chairman, Nnewi North LGA, Chris Obiora, called on the people to use certified engineers and other relevant personnel in the building sector for their construction works.

When contacted for comments on the disaster, the state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had yet to receive information about the incident.

“I don’t have any information on it yet, but I will escalate the information to the Divisional Police Officer in the area for necessary action,” Mr Ikenga said. 

(NAN)