Police Investigate, Detain Building Owner Whose Overhead Tank Crushed 5 To Death
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has ordered an investigation into circumstances surrounding collapse of a concrete water reservoir that claimed the lives of five people.
The lives of five members of the same family in Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area were cut short following collapse of a concrete water reservoir of their neighbour on their bungalow on Sept. 18.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Thursday in Enugu.
Ndukwe said that st about 5:45 a.m. of the same date, police received information that the reservoir, attached to an uncompleted building, had collapsed onto the adjoining house of a neighbour, identified as Mr Raphael Onwu.
He noted that Onwu, his wife, mother and two children died in the unfortunate incident.
“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 9-year-old male child, who was taken to the hospital and is receiving treatment.
“The five deceased family members were recovered and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead before their remains were deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” he said.
The spokesman, however, said that the owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, Mr Onyedikachi Nkwo, had been detained in connection with the tragic incident.
Ndukwe said that the commissioner had condoled with the bereaved family and community, and assured that appropriate action would follow the outcome of the investigation.
He urged the public to avoid unsafe construction of any kind of structure and ensure compliance with approved safety standards by engaging qualified professionals.