The building collapsed on Thursday evening as the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) flagged-off a two-day event in Asaba is located right opposite Delta Mall, Asaba otherwise known as "Shoprite", in the heart of Asaba.
At least eight persons have been confirmed in the collapse of a proposed 20-storey hotel building in Asaba, Delta State.
The building collapsed on Thursday evening as the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) flagged-off a two-day event in Asaba is located right opposite Delta Mall, Asaba otherwise known as "Shoprite", in the heart of Asaba.
Eyewitnesses account said, the collapse building which generated panic within the area saw workers scampering for their lives while residents and passersby gathered to watch the scenario.
SaharaReporters observed that the construction of the multi-billion naira building commenced this year after an oil mogul, Gabriel Ogbechie, purchased and demolished the former South-Gate hotel situated in the land.
Reacting to the collapsed building shorting after the inspection of the property, the Delta State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Michael Anoka said the building collapsed as a result of building defect, saying investigation was still ongoing.
"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.”
As at the time of filing this report, the site has been sealed off while the eight injured persons are said to be currently receiving treatment in the hospital.