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Many died, See the few people that were rescued from collapsed building in Abakaliki

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 19th, 2024.

Many died, See the few people that were rescued from collapsed building in Abakaliki

Two Rescued from Collapsed Building in Abakaliki

Collapse building

Two individuals were rescued after being trapped in a three-storey building under construction that collapsed on Tuesday evening in Abakaliki. The building, owned by Hon. Ukie Ezeali, a legislator representing Afikpo North East, collapsed around 5:00 PM.

The structure, adjacent to the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA) 1, Ebonyi State, crumbled unexpectedly. One victim was quickly pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital shortly after the collapse. The second individual, found around 7:54 PM in a weakened condition, was also transported to the hospital.

This incident occurred just four days after another three-storey hotel building under construction collapsed on Eduna Street along Hatchery Road in the city.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Sunday Inyima, the Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Development, attributed the collapse to Hon. Ezeali, criticizing the construction as illegal. “This incident is very unfortunate. We responded immediately upon receiving the call and managed to rescue the two trapped individuals,” Inyima stated.

Inyima revealed that the structure had not been approved by the ministry. “This building was illegal from the start. Despite being informed that the plans were not approved, the construction proceeded. The proximity to the hospital meant our monitoring team did not notice the ongoing construction.”

He added, “As a state assembly member, Ezeali should have adhered to the rules and avoided such a project. We have detained two site overseers and instructed the lawmaker to report to the police.”

This collapse has heightened concerns regarding the enforcement of building regulations and safety standards in Ebonyi State.