Imo building collapse claimed 15 lives, as more bodies could still be trapped

Death toll in the building collapse along Yar’Adua Drive in Owerri has risen to 15.

The latest casualty figure was given by Mr Evans Ugoh, Head of the Imo/Abia State Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency.

He spoke in an interview with a NAN correspondent today in Owerri as rescue efforts continue at the site of the building collapse.

On April 30, an eight storey building under construction, collapsed, killing two persons, while eight others were rescued and rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.

Rescue operators searching for victims pulled out five dead bodies from the debris of the building on Friday, while the eight people taken to hospital were later confirmed dead, bringing the total casualty figure to 15.

“As you can see, we are still working, disaster managers are on ground conducting search and rescue.

“We have exhumed five dead bodies today. I believe that more people are still trapped but we will not give up,” said Ugoh.