By Ovat Abeng
Many people are still trapped after a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, collapsed on Sunday night.
Several occupants are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble as rescue operations continue.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday morning by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, the Anambra State Police-led Joint Security Team is currently conducting ongoing rescue operations at the scene.
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He stated that upon receiving the distress report, the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.
Ikenga added that the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) responded promptly and joined the rescue operation.
According to him, rescue operations are still ongoing to reach other persons who may remain trapped beneath the collapsed structure. He noted that the number of casualties and affected persons cannot yet be confirmed as search and rescue efforts continue.
He further disclosed that some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Ikenga urged members of the public, particularly residents of the area, to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out their operations effectively.
He assured the public that further updates would be provided as more verified information becomes available.
