Ukorebi Esien | 30th April 2023
CALABAR – Residents of Nta Eke street, Ikot Ishie will not forget Saturday 29th April in a hurry as a two story building under construction was said to have collapse with construction workers trapped inside.
But for the timely intervention of Hon. Stanley Nsemo, Member elect for Calabar Municipality state constituency in Cross River State, the number of causality recorded would have been innumerable.
At the time of filing in this report, no death had been reported, but victims had been rushed to hospital for medical attention.
Findings showed that the failed structure was originally designed for a foundation which is qualified to carry a two-storey building, unfortunately the engineers attempted to increase the structure to a three storey building.
Some persons familiar with the building told our reporter that Inferior materials were used in erecting structure and where the building is located is said to be a water way. Our informant added that Government officials, made up of professionals, came to assess the place and asked that work be stopped but the owner of the building challenged them, stating that nothing can stop the project.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the structure collapsed yesterday, Saturday 29th April, trapping some people, and in a swift reaction, the House of Assembly member-elect, Mr Stanley Nsemo, sent an excavator to begin rescue of victims before the state government sent another rescue team that came and got many who were trapped in the rumbles.
While the state Commissioner for health, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong ensured there were ambulances and medical personnel on ground to rush those rescued to the hospital for immediate medical attention.