Many were, on Thursday, feared trapped following collapse of a five-storey building in Okpuno Awka, Anambra State.

The building, located behind Anambra State House of Assembly, off Ekwueme Square, reportedly caved in around 11:40 am.

It was gathered that the building, still under construction, was at the roofing stage.

Though the cause of the collapse and casualty figures were yet to be ascertained, eyewitnesses said occupants, especially construction workers, were trapped in the rubble.

Eyewitnesses near the scene said the structure suddenly caved in without any prior sign.

“The building collapsed this morning (Thursday) as some artisans were carrying out some construction work on the roof of the structure. The building made some noise as it was collapsing while some construction workers were at the site.

“No one can say the cause of the collapse for now, but some government officials arrived shortly after. Rescue efforts have not begun because they said they were waiting for the arrival of excavators,” one of them said.

The Chairman, state Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN-ERM) Anambra State, Sir Victor Meju, confirmed the incident.

“It was a five-storey building, the sixth floor still under construction at its roofing stage. It is a private building and was roofed last Thursday. On-site preliminary investigation revealed that it was a vertically complete collapse to the rubble.

“Investigation also revealed that the collapse occurred as a result of a poor concrete mixture and a likely foundation problem. The relevant agencies, such as the Ministry of Housing and the Awka Capital Territory Development Association, have been notified. They are on the ground to monitor and offer rescue operations,” he confirmed.