Three individuals lost their lives in a tragic incident when a three-story building under construction collapsed in the Anambra community on Sunday.

The unfortunate event unfolded in Egbu Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi community, within the Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The collapse occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. while workers were preparing to commence plastering work.

Regrettably, the deceased, including a man and his two children who had arrived for their day’s work, tragically perished on the spot. They were swiftly transported to St. Felix Hospital in Nnewi, where their demise was confirmed.

Several other workers were fortunate enough to be rescued from the rubble, though they sustained varying degrees of injuries. These injured individuals were also promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Victor Meju, the Chairman of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Anambra chapter, along with state officials, visited the scene. Mr. Meju attributed the incident to a combination of factors, including a weak foundation, substandard concrete mixture, low-quality materials, and a lack of approval from relevant regulatory bodies. As a consequence, the building is slated for closure, and the owner, Chukwunafu Anamanjo, will be summoned for questioning.

Furthermore, Chris Obiora, the Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North LGA, urged the public to engage certified engineers and other qualified professionals within the construction sector for their building projects.

Inquiries made to the state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, regarding the incident yielded no information as of yet.

“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.