Five Family Members Die in Enugu Reservoir Collapse

Five members of the same family have died after a concrete water reservoir collapsed onto their home in Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The incident occurred at about 5:45 a.m. on September 18, when the reservoir, attached to an uncompleted building, collapsed onto the adjoining house of a neighbour, identified as Raphael Onwu.

Onwu, his wife, mother and two children were trapped and died in the collapse.

The Enugu State Police Command said its operatives from Awgu Division promptly mobilised to the scene, where they joined personnel of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and community members in the rescue operation.

A nine-year-old boy was rescued from the rubble and taken to hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

The five victims were also recovered and taken to hospital, where they were confirmed dead. Their remains were subsequently deposited at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Meanwhile, police have arrested Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey, owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, in connection with the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

The Commissioner condoled with the bereaved family and the community, assuring that appropriate action would follow the outcome of the investigation.

He also urged members of the public to avoid unsafe construction and comply with approved safety standards by engaging qualified professionals.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.