Two killed, three rescued in Anambra students’ hostel collapse

Tragedy struck in Amaokpala, Anambra State, when a three-storey hostel building known as Elite Five Star Lodge collapsed on Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the rescue of three others. The building, which housed approximately 60 rooms, caved in while occupants were inside, causing panic among residents and passers-by.

“

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.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise immediately before the structure gave way. Videos from the scene showed a large crowd gathered as emergency responders, including the Nigerian Red Cross Society, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and local security agencies, commenced a painstaking search through the rubble. Heavy-duty excavators were used to carefully remove debris in a coordinated effort to locate survivors.

The joint rescue team worked through the night and into Monday evening. By 6:55 p.m. on Monday, the body of a second victim, a male, was recovered, bringing the total fatalities to two. Earlier, a female victim's body had been recovered, and three injured individuals were transported to a hospital for treatment. The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the ongoing nature of the rescue operation, stating it would continue until all sections of the debris were thoroughly searched.

“

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.

The incident highlights concerns about building safety and structural integrity in rapidly developing areas. The collapse occurred near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, suggesting many of the trapped occupants were students. Security operatives cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of rescue personnel and prevent interference during the critical search and recovery efforts.

“

Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency responders. Regrettably, one female victi