Tragedy hit Enugu community following the collapse of a concrete water reservoir, claiming five people including man, wife, her mother and their two children.
The five members of the same family in Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area, died when the reservoir belonging to their neighbour collapsed on their bungalow on September 18.
Ndukwe said that about 5:45 a.m. on the same date, police received information that the reservoir, attached to an uncompleted building, had collapsed onto the adjoining house of a neighbour, identified as Mr Raphael Onwu.
Enugu State Police Commissioner Mamman Giwa has ordered an investigation into circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement that the owner of the building, Mr Onyedikachi Nkwo, had been detained.
“Police operatives from Awgu Division promptly mobilised to the scene and, with support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community members, rescued a nine-year-old boy, who was taken to the hospital and is receiving treatment.
“The five deceased family members were recovered and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead before their remains were deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” he said.
SP Ndukwe stated that Commissioner Giwa extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the Nenwenta community, assuring that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the investigation’s findings.
He further cautioned the public against substandard construction practices, urging property owners to engage qualified professionals and strictly adhere to approved safety standards to prevent similar disasters.