A 25-year-old worker, Bakeru Iwal, has died after part of an old building collapsed during demolition in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Iwal was reportedly inside the structure on Tuesday when a section of the building suddenly gave way, trapping him beneath the rubble.
The Punch reported that the incident was confirmed on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement.
Ikenga said the deceased’s body was recovered from the scene and taken to a mortuary, where it would be preserved pending an autopsy and other necessary examinations.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an incident involving the demolition of an old building at Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, where one person reportedly died following the collapse of part of the structure.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters promptly responded to the scene, cordoned off the area and commenced preliminary investigations.
“The scene was also documented, while the deceased, later identified as Bakeru Iwal, a 25-year-old male, was evacuated to the mortuary for preservation, pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.
“Preliminary information indicates that the building was being demolished when a section of the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping one of the workers.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Ama, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish whether anyone would be held responsible.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, while further updates will be provided as necessary,” the statement added.
