Five members of a single family were killed in Enugu State when a concrete water reservoir collapsed onto their home on September 18, prompting police to detain the owner of the adjacent building where the structure was located.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. in Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, within the Awgu Local Government Area. The overhead tank, which was attached to an uncompleted building, fell onto the adjoining bungalow belonging to Mr. Raphael Onwu. The victims were Mr. Onwu, his wife, his mother, and two of their children.
SP Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, confirmed that the owner of the building, Mr. Onyedikachi Nkwo, has been detained in connection with the incident. Ndukwe stated that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Police operatives from Awgu Division promptly mobilised to the scene and, with support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community members, rescued a nine-year-old boy, who was taken to the hospital and is receiving treatment.
Ndukwe noted that the five deceased family members were recovered from the rubble and transported to the hospital, where their deaths were confirmed. Their remains were subsequently deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The Police Commissioner has condoled with the bereaved family and the wider community, assuring that appropriate action will be taken following the outcome of the investigation. In a public appeal, Ndukwe urged residents to avoid unsafe construction practices and to ensure compliance with approved safety standards by engaging qualified professionals for all structural works.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
