Collapse of Elite Five Star Lodge claims two lives
A three-storey hostel building, Elite Five Star Lodge, collapsed in Amaokpala near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday night, July 26. The building, which contained approximately 60 rooms, was occupied mainly by students when it suddenly gave way. Two persons have been confirmed dead, while three others were rescued alive from the debris.
Eyewitness account of the collapse
Residents reported hearing a loud noise moments before the structure came down. A resident named Ifeoma told the Nigerian Tribune that the sound drew students and neighbours to the scene. “We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the area to see what had happened. Within moments after the loud noise, people started shouting for help as the building came crashing down,” she said.
Multi-agency rescue operation
Rescue operations began in the early hours of Monday, involving personnel from the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies. Heavy-duty excavators and specialised equipment were deployed to search for survivors while ensuring the safety of rescue workers.
First casualty and survivors
The acting Executive Secretary of SEMA, Ndidi Omega, confirmed that one female victim was recovered dead and three injured persons were rescued alive and taken to hospital. “One female body was recovered, while three persons were rescued and taken to the hospital. The rescue operation will continue until every section of the debris has been thoroughly searched,” Omega said.
Second victim recovered
Later, rescuers recovered the body of a male victim, bringing the death toll to two. The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, stated that firefighters joined other emergency responders immediately upon arrival. “Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency responders. Regrettably, one female victim was recovered from the rubble. She was confirmed dead at the scene, and her body was evacuated and handed over to the appropriate authorities for deposition in a morgue. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to determine whether any other persons remain trapped beneath the debris. The cause of the building collapse was yet to be determined and remains under investigation,” Chiketa said.
Police and public appeal
Chiketa appealed to members of the public to stay away from the scene to enable emergency personnel to carry out rescue operations safely. The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said police swiftly secured the area after receiving a distress call. “On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger and coordinated rescue efforts,” Ikenga said. He added: “Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving treatment. Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.”
