Police detain Enugu building owner as overhead tank collapse kills 5

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has ordered an investigation into circumstances surrounding the collapse of a concrete water reservoir that claimed five lives in Enugu community.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu, stated that the owner of the building, Mr Onyedikachi Nkwo, had been detained.

According to Ndukwe, five members of the same family in Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area, died when the reservoir belonging to their neighbour collapsed on their bungalow on Sept. 18.

Ndukwe said that at about 5:45 a.m. on 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 said Onwu, his wife, mother and two children died in the 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 nine-year-old boy, 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, Nkwo, had been detained in connection with the tragic incident.

Ndukwe said that the commissioner of police 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.