There was panic in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday after a two-storey building under construction collapsed opposite the Asaba International Airport. The building, said to be a hotel, is located near the Asaba Airport Police Station in Okpanam.
The incident happened after days of continuous rainfall, which residents believe weakened the structure. Eyewitnesses said the collapse occurred while construction work was still ongoing, causing chaos in the area.
Some workers were reportedly trapped but were later rescued, while others sustained injuries as they jumped from the upper floors in a desperate attempt to escape.
A security man who narrowly escaped said he left the site just minutes before the building came down. He claimed the building was being hurriedly constructed due to the rainy season.
One of the workers, who gave his name as David, said several people were injured while trying to flee. According to him, “Everybody has left the site now. Some of those in charge have even gone into hiding for fear of police arrest.”
David also said that good-spirited residents from the surrounding estate joined in the rescue efforts.
Although there were no confirmed deaths, many of the injured workers have been taken to the hospital for treatment.
As of the time of filing this report, attempts to reach the Delta State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Engr Michael Anoka, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
This latest collapse has raised concerns about building standards and the oversight of construction in the area.