Commercial building collapses in Nigeria, killing three
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch and Daily Post
The collapse of a shopping centre under construction in Owode-Ede, Osun State, killed three people and seriously injured four apprentice tilers, according to Punch and Daily Post. Five survivors were rescued, four of whom were hospitalised, said Femi Isaac, the Federal Fire Service commander in Osun State, quoted by Punch. Daily Post said the seven trapped artisans came from Ejigbo and planned to resume work on Saturday.
Daily Post placed the collapse at about 11pm on Friday and said that seven artisans were trapped under the rubble. The apprentice tilers came from Ejigbo and had worked late before sleeping at the site, intending to resume work on Saturday morning. Their boss was absent at the time of the accident, according to the outlet.
The complex reportedly had 12 shops on the second and third floors, as well as two stores in the basement. Witnesses quoted by Daily Post said the building was already in poor condition and that the owner had allegedly supervised the work himself and bought the materials. The cause of the collapse had not been independently established at the time of publication.
