The representative of the developer of a collapsed four-storey building in Enugu has been handed over to the police for questioning.

The building collapsed around 6am on Sunday in Independence Layout, Enugu State, killing one person and injuring others.

Emergency responders initially received information that people were trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams then began searching the collapsed structure.

The National Emergency Management Agency said responders recovered the body of a male victim from the debris by 11:20am.

Four other people were rescued and taken to a hospital, while emergency teams continued searching the wreckage for possible victims.

Building Had Been Sealed

The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority said the property had been approved in 2021.

However, officials later identified structural integrity concerns and deviations from the approved building plan.

ECTDA Chairman Uche Anya said the agency had sealed the property for about six months before the collapse.

Anya said he personally issued the first stop-work order after inspectors identified the alleged regulatory violations.

The owner’s representative, who reportedly lives abroad, had subsequently engaged the agency for between 30 and 40 days over the issues.

Anya stressed that the representative was handed to the police to assist the investigation and not necessarily for detention.

Rescue Operation Continues

Officials said six people were believed to sleep at the uncompleted property.

One person had reportedly left before the collapse, while responders initially rescued four people from the site.

The Enugu State Fire Service said two of those rescued sustained minor injuries and were taken to a health facility.

Another person was later recovered from the rubble, although officials initially awaited confirmation of the person’s condition.

The Enugu State Emergency Management Agency said the entire wreckage would be excavated to ensure no survivor or body remained trapped beneath the debris.

Investigation Underway

The incident has renewed attention on building approvals, structural compliance and enforcement in Enugu.

Current reports also confirm that authorities have begun investigating the collapse, while rescue and recovery operations continued at the site.

The police investigation is expected to establish whether regulatory violations contributed to the collapse and determine responsibility.

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