10 feared dead, 35 rescued, others trapped as Church building collapses in Delta

▪︎ My three kids are trapped, woman laments
▪︎ Only one person died so far- Govt source

A building, housing Salvation Ministry, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, has reportedly collapsed, trapping unspecified number of worshippers with over 10 persons feared dead.

The building, which is reportedly being used for the first time, collapsed about 5:55pm during Tuesday service.

Report said that over 35 persons, including children, women and men had been rescued unhurt, while four persons had been rushed to the Asaba Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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Vanguard newspaper said that building, which is over 10 years, was initially designed as a plaza before the church bought it at N300 million, adding that the one storey building was being reconstructed by the Church.

A church member, who simply identified herself as Grace, said the service was ongoing when the building collapsed with a thunderous noise, saying; “we were clapping and praying when suddenly we heard the cracking and the building swallowed the children section with the children.”

According to her, they were observing their new year 21-day fast, adding that they came for evening service to break the day”s fast with a communion service when the building collapsed.

A woman who was wailing beyond control at the scene, said her three children were among those trapped in the building.

As of the time of this report, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Chief Patrick Ukah, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ononye Mordi, team of Red Cross officers, fire fighters, Police officers and Men of the Delta State Emergency Management Agency were on ground on a rescue mission.

Also, worshippers, family members and sympathisers were crying as efforts were on to rescue other victims.

Meanwhile, a government source, said only one person died, adding that other victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. (Vanguard)