Panic and sorrow gripped residents of Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday following the collapse of a two-storey building under construction near the Asaba International Airport, leaving many feared dead and several others critically injured.
The tragic incident occurred during a torrential downpour that has battered Asaba, Okpanam, and surrounding communities in recent days, intensifying fears about infrastructure safety amid relentless flooding. According to eyewitnesses, the building crumbled suddenly while construction workers were on site, with many trapped beneath the rubble.
A survivor, Mr. David, recounted the harrowing moment he narrowly escaped death. He told reporters that chaos broke out as workers scrambled for safety, with several of them leaping from the second floor in desperation. “A lot of people sustained serious injuries while jumping to save their lives. Everyone abandoned the site immediately, and some of those responsible for the building have gone into hiding for fear of arrest,” he said.
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Local residents and passersby quickly mobilized to assist with the rescue operation before emergency responders arrived. According to sources on the ground, some of the trapped victims were pulled out alive, but efforts were still ongoing as emergency workers used tools to break through the collapsed concrete, hoping to reach those still buried beneath the debris.
The incident comes amid repeated warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) about heavy rains and potential flooding in the region, a prediction that has unfortunately become reality. Asaba and its environs have experienced persistent rainfall, raising concerns over building standards and compliance with safety regulations in flood-prone areas.
So far, there has been no official statement from the Delta State Government or relevant agencies regarding the collapse.
