One dead, four injured in Delta building collapse

One person died and four others were injured after a building collapsed in Okwe, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that the one-storey building was originally a car park which was remodelled. It was being roofed when it collapsed. The owner, Capt. Sam Akaraiwe (rtd), supervised the work.

The structure was being built in a compacted space in the compound with two structures – an uncompleted decked building and a bungalow where the owner resides. Another structure at decking level was also being built in the limited space.

Neighbours tried to rescue those trapped in the rubbles before rescue workers arrived with two excavators.

Akaraiwe was injured on the head. His ringing phone helped rescue workers to locate him in the debris.

A survivor, Ike Ifenacho, said he was on the roof doing skeletal wood work when he noticed the building was caving in and so jumped off. He sustained minor injuries on his jaw and leg.

An eyewitness, Friday James, said he heard a big bang and ran out of his house. He quickly mobilised others with shovel and started digging to rescue those trapped under.

According to him, three persons were rescued while one person was brought out dead.

Chairman of Oshimili council Uche Osadebe blamed the collapse to the use of substandard materials and self-supervision. He added that the building was also not approved by relevant government ministries and agencies.

An official of Red Cross and Leader of Disaster Management Team in the council, Sunday Moses, and Head of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Okpor Daniel said four persons were rescued alive while one was brought out dead from the rubble.