Several people are feared trapped after a four-storey building under construction collapsed at Independence Layout, Enugu State, on Sunday morning.
The building, located at No. 1 Ogbaguru Street, opposite St Patrick’s Hospital, reportedly collapsed at about 8:00 a.m.
The structure was said to be under construction for use as a hotel when part of it suddenly gave way.
Construction workers were reportedly staying inside the uncompleted building when the collapse occurred.
A viral video posted by activist Chuks showed residents and passersby gathered around the site as frantic rescue efforts began.
An eyewitness who filmed the scene said the collapse happened about 30 minutes before he arrived.
He said people were still believed to be trapped inside the building.
“People are still inside. Look at the collapsed side. Half or part of the building,” the eyewitness said.
Eyewitness Calls for Excavator
The eyewitness later entered part of the structure to determine whether anyone trapped beneath the debris could be heard.
He appealed to government authorities to urgently provide an excavator and other equipment to support the rescue operation.
He also spoke with a man identified as Bruce, who appeared to have escaped from the building.
The eyewitness warned Bruce against remaining inside the unstable structure, saying the remaining portion could also collapse.
He further said some people were believed to be alive beneath the rubble as residents attempted to cut through metal rods and debris.
“They are still alive and we are praying that nothing will press down the lumps of blocks, concrete and all that,” he said.
Vehicles Damaged, Electrical Hazard Raised
The collapse reportedly affected vehicles parked within the premises of the nearby St Patrick’s Hospital.
According to the eyewitness, debris fell towards the hospital area and damaged some vehicles.
He also raised concerns about electrical hazards at the scene after roofing materials became entangled with electric wires.
“If it is still on, it is dangerous,” he warned, calling for electricity around the area to be disconnected.
Hundreds of residents and passersby reportedly gathered at the scene after hearing the sound of the collapse.
Locals joined efforts to rescue those believed to be trapped, but the heavy debris was said to be slowing the operation.
Cause of Collapse Unknown
The exact cause of the building collapse was not immediately known as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has renewed concerns over building regulations, construction standards, professional supervision and the activities of unqualified practitioners.
Building collapses remain a recurring concern in Nigeria, often raising questions about regulatory enforcement and accountability.
