A three-storey building serving as a student hostel, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has collapsed, trapping an unknown number of occupants.
It was gathered that the building collapsed in the early hours of Monday.
The incident threw residents and passers-by into panic as an unspecified number of occupants, believed to be mostly students, were trapped beneath the rubble.
Although the exact number of casualties could not be immediately confirmed, eyewitnesses said the building came down while students were inside.
One of the eyewitnesses, who identified herself simply as Ifeoma, said, “We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the scene to see what had happened.
“And within moments after the loud noise from the building, the occupants inside started shouting for help as the building fell.”
Videos and photographs shared online showed a large crowd at the scene as rescue workers, security personnel and volunteers searched through the debris for survivors.
Our correspondent gathered that officials of the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders were carrying out rescue operations.
The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday and urged residents to remain calm while rescue efforts continued.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police-led Joint Security Team assures the public that rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night incident on Sunday involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
“The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble. On receipt of the distress report, the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.
“The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.”
He noted that rescue operations were ongoing to reach other persons who might still be trapped, adding that the number of casualties or affected persons could not yet be confirmed.
“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
“Members of the public, especially residents in the area, are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available,” he added.
