Three tiling apprentices killed as shopping complex collapses in Osun
- A two-storey shopping complex under construction collapsed in Owode-Ede, Osun State, late on Friday.
- Three apprentice tilers died and four others were seriously injured; five were rescued alive.
- The workers had been sleeping on the site to continue work on Saturday morning, rescuers said.
Three apprentice tilers have died and four others were seriously injured after a two-storey shopping complex under construction collapsed in Owode-Ede, in Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State.
The building came down late on Friday, at about 11pm, trapping the workers inside. The victims were said to have travelled from Ejigbo to work on the site and decided to sleep there so they could continue on Saturday morning.
The Osun State Commandant of the Federal Fire Service, Femi Isaac, confirmed the casualties on Saturday. He said three bodies had been taken to the mortuary, while five people were rescued alive and rushed to a private hospital in Ede.
Four of the survivors had serious injuries, including fractured legs and hands, Isaac said. He added that one worker who did not sleep early escaped unhurt.
Warning before the collapse
According to Isaac, the workers had noticed the building was not strong before it gave way. He said the most senior apprentice told rescuers he had warned the others against sleeping on the upper floor shortly before the structure collapsed.
The fire service received a distress call from the Divisional Police Officer of A Division at about 11pm and sent personnel to the scene. Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives joined the rescue, which continued into the early hours of Saturday.
A resident, who gave his name as John, said a loud noise from the building drew neighbours to the site. He said the owner of the building lives close by and was present during the rescue.
Daily Post reported that the complex was designed to hold 12 shops on the upper floors and two stores in the basement. Sources told the outlet that the construction may not have had proper engineering supervision, and that the owner personally supervised the project and bought the materials. Those claims have not been confirmed by the authorities.
The cause of the collapse had not been independently established as of Saturday. Daily Post said authorities were yet to issue an official statement, while the fire service commandant had already confirmed the casualties to Punch.
What happens next
Questions remain over who approved and supervised the construction. Nigerians will be watching to see whether the state government opens an investigation into the building and whether anyone is held responsible.
