By Opeyemi Adelakun
A three-storey student hostel in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, collapsed late Sunday, triggering a massive rescue operation that has so far led to the rescue of three students, while emergency responders continue searching for others feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located in Amokpala, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. The structure reportedly gave way on Sunday night, causing panic among residents and students in the area.
Police, firefighters, officials of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other emergency responders swiftly mobilised to the scene to coordinate rescue efforts.
As of Monday afternoon, three victims had been pulled alive from the debris and taken to St. Michael Hospital, Oko, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Earlier reports indicated that the collapse occurred after residents heard a loud noise, prompting people nearby to rush to the scene. Rescue teams have continued to comb through the rubble amid fears that more occupants may still be trapped.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led joint security team responded immediately after receiving a distress call, secured the area and collaborated with other emergency agencies to rescue victims.
He said the Anambra State Fire Service and SEMA joined the operation, adding that authorities were working to ensure everyone trapped beneath the collapsed structure was reached safely.
Officials have yet to confirm the total number of occupants affected or whether any fatalities have been recorded, as rescue operations remain ongoing.
Authorities also said investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the building collapse, while urging members of the public to stay away from the scene and avoid spreading unverified information as emergency workers continue their operations.
Leave a Reply