The Delta State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Mr. Michael Anoka, has reacted to the collapse of a 20-storey hotel building undergoing construction in Asaba, the state capital.
The building collapsed on Thursday evening, injuring eight persons who are battling death at an undisclosed hospital.
In his reaction after inspecting the building, the commissioner claimed the incident was as a result of a building defect, but clarified that there was no casualty.
His words, “The Ministry is still investigating. The government is already taking measures and as you can see, the compound has been sealed. After our investigation, we will come up with a report of what happened here today.
“Everybody should be calm; the government has already started measures before this incident today. We are trying to put up a process so that we will be able to avoid such situations.”
The multiple billion-naira hotel building is directly opposite Delta Mall, Asaba (Shoprite).
The building is owned by billionaire businessman and founder of Rain Oil Group, Chief Gabriel Ogbechie.
An eyewitness said they suddenly heard a loud sound while workers were engaged in construction work.
The eyewitness, who identified herself as Onyinye Okei, said about eight persons sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital by their colleagues.
The scene of the incident has been cordoned off by officials of State Emergency Management Agency and security operatives.
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Also, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Sector Command, says five women died when a container fell on a commercial bus at Odumodu Junction in Nteje-Awka .
The state Sector Commander, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Awka on Friday.
He said the container fell off a trailer and crushed the bus.
Irelewuyi said that the accident occurred at 7.30 a.m. as the driver was avoiding a failed portion of the road.
“The fatal crash involved two unidentified drivers of a Mistibushi L300 commercial bus with registration number XE245AWK and a commercial Daf/Leyland truck with number T-19094LA.
“According to eyewitnesses, the vehicles were headed to different locations; one to Awka and the other to Onitsha.
“When the vehicles got to the bad spot at same time, and due to the weight of the container, it fell on the bus,” the sector commander said.
He disclosed that 10 persons – three male adults and seven female adults – were involved in the crash.
“Five women were killed. Two men and two women sustained injuries, while one man was rescued unhurt.
“FRSC rescue team took the injured victims to Divine Care Hospital, Umunya, while the dead victims were taken to Chira Hospital for doctor’s confirmation before the bodies were deposited at New Jerusalem Mortuary in Nteje,” he said.
Irelewuyi said that efforts were being made to remove the obstruction created by the accident.
He sympathized with the families of the deceased and wished the injured quick recovery.
The FRSC sector commander urged motorists to drive with caution.