BY SUNNY A. DAVID

In response to a distress call at approximately 12:40 pm today, July 4, 2024, the Anambra State Police Command has rescued two victims from a building collapse at Ekeoyibo market in Amawbia.

The rescued individuals have been rushed to the hospital for medical attention, and the Police operation is still ongoing to search for any additional survivors trapped in the rubble.

The two storey building, which houses traders and shop owners collapsed this afternoon.

Although, the casualty figure has not been officially ascertained, but it was gathered that lives might have been lost in the incident and many are feared trapped under the rubbles.

Eyewitnesses said the incident happened at about 12noon, creating panic among some of the traders and residents in the area.

The eyewitnesses said the two-storey building suddenly crumbled, burying numerous traders beneath the debris.

As of the time of filing this report, two person had been rescued and rushed to Amawbia Maternity Home for urgent medical attention, but many more are believed to be trapped inside the wreckages.

Some Traders who witnessed the collapse blamed the disaster on substandard engineering work, alleging that the building’s structural integrity were compromised.

While some others blamed the collapse on the persistent rainfall since last week.

Meanwhile, rescue operation is currently ongoing, with emergency workers working tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble.

The atmosphere at the market is tensed, with onlookers anxiously waiting for news of rescue of the people feared trapped in the building.

The incident has sent panic to the community, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the collapse.

The Spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the development when contacted, said two victims have been rescued and rescue operations are still ongoing.

According to Mr. Ikenga, in response to a distress call today 4/7/2024 at about 12:40 pm of a building collapse at Ekeoyibo market, Amawbia, Police Operatives have rescued two victims and taken them to the hospital for medical care.

He said that on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led operatives at the scene for on-the-spot assessment, the area has been cordoned off and rescue Operations are still ongoing.