By Ugochukwu Alaribe, Umuahia
A 3 storey building has collapsed along Azikiwe road, Aba, Abia State, killing two persons, with five others trapped in the rubble.
Another victim was rescued and is now receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in the city.
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Vanguard gathered that the deceased persons and survivor of the collapsed building were homeless residents in Aba who usually take refuge in open buildings and similar structures.
As at the time, Vanguard visited the area, there was no excavator equipment to help rescue efforts. However, sympathizers managed to wade in through some open parts of the collapsed building to rescue the survivor. Some sympathizers left the scene as hoodlums attacked those taking pictures with their phones.
A shop owner in the area said the incident happened on early hours of Wednesday as the building was still under construction as he closed for business, Tuesday.
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He said; “The building was still standing when I closed for business Tuesday. Construction work was ongoing, but when I came on Wednesday, the building had collapsed. Two persons have been confirmed dead, one rescued and taken to hospital while five persons are trapped in the building.”
Vanguard further gathered that there could more persons trapped as many people usually steal into the building to pass the night.
However, most people attributed the cause of the collapse to use of inferior materials by the contractor.
