AWKA, Anambra State – A tragic incident occurred at the Eke Amawbia market in Awka, the state capital, on Thursday when a two-storey building under construction suddenly collapsed, trapping numerous traders and shop owners underneath.
Eyewitnesses reported that the building, which housed both traders and construction workers, crumbled around noon, sending shockwaves through the bustling marketplace. The exact number of casualties is still unknown, but rescue efforts are ongoing as many are feared trapped in the debris.
So far, one person has been pulled from the wreckage and taken to a nearby maternity home for medical treatment. Police officers have arrived at the scene to coordinate the search and rescue operation and maintain order in the area.
Traders who witnessed the collapse have attributed the disaster to substandard construction practices, alleging that the building’s structural integrity had been compromised. Others have suggested that the persistent rainfall experienced in the region over the past week may have contributed to the collapse.
“The building just gave way without warning. We’re all in shock and praying that more people aren’t trapped inside,” said Amaka Okafor, a trader at the market.
The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and stated that two victims had been rescued so far, with the search for additional survivors ongoing.
The collapse has sent shockwaves through the Amawbia community, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy and the implementation of stricter building regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
