Five confirmed dead, many trapped in Onitsha market building collapses

Five confirmed dead, many trapped in Onitsha market building collapses

Five people have been confirmed dead and many still trapped in a building under construction that collapsed in the Ochanja market, Onitsha, Anambra State.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who visited the accident site on Tuesday, said five casualties had been recorded so far.
He described the incident that occurred Monday evening as tragic and one “that was not supposed to happen”.

He disclosed that 26 individuals had been rescued and hospitalised, with rescue efforts ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubble.
“The contractor at his own cost will come and put down the illegal buildings he erected here,” the governor said.

He added, “They are all going to come down. My government did not approve of this building. We will redesign this area and build it properly.”

He said other buildings constructed without proper approval will be demolished, including structures currently under construction at other markets.

“A comprehensive inventory of buildings in Anambra markets and public places will be conducted,” Soludo said.

“Markets will undergo integrity tests to identify and remove potentially unsafe structures, and individuals found responsible for illegal construction will face legal consequences.”

The governor also assured that the hospital bills of those receiving treatment would be offset by the government.

He expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.