20-storey Building Under Construction Collapses In Delta

A 20-storey hotel building under construction has collapsed in Asaba, the Delta State capital city.

According to an eyewitness, the incident has left about eight persons injured.

The multi-billion Naira hotel building located directly opposite Delta Mall collapsed on Thursday evening.

The building is owned by billionaire businessman and founder of RainOil Group, Chief Gabriel Ogbechie.

The scene of the incident has been cordoned off by officials of State Emergency Management Agency and security operatives.

An eyewitness said she and others selling outside the premises were surprised when they suddenly heard a thudding sound even as workers were working on the construction site.

The eyewitness, who identified herself as Onyinye Okei, said about eight persons sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital by their colleagues.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting the collapsed building, the State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Mr. Michael Anoka, said the incident was as a result of a building defect.

Anoka, who said there was no casualty recorded, noted that: “The Ministry is still investigating. The government is already taking measures and as you can see, the compound has been sealed. After our investigation, we will come up with a report of what happened here today.

“Everybody should be calm; the government has already started measures before this incident today. We are trying to put up a process that we will be able to avoid such situations.”