Title: Tragedy in Akure: Woman and her nine-day-old baby killed in building collapse
Introduction:
In a devastating tragedy, a woman and her nine-day-old baby lost their lives when a building collapsed in Akure, Ondo State capital, in the early hours of yesterday. This terrible incident left the newborn’s brother and grandmother injured but surviving. Details of the victims’ identities are not yet known.
The tragedy unfolded at Ayedun Street, near Egbe Hospital/Road, Central Akure, while the woman and her baby were inside the building. Unfortunately, they lost their lives instantly.
An eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained that “it was a tragic death, a high water tank hanging near the building suddenly collapsed. There was no sign that the concrete on which the water tank was installed was fragile. It was too sudden. Unfortunately, the baby who had been baptized on Tuesday December 12, 2023 was inside the building with his mother when the tank collapsed on the building.”
The sound of the collapsing water tank attracted neighbors who rushed to the scene, but were helpless as the victims were under the rubble of the collapsed building. Attempts to rescue them were in vain. The bodies were then evacuated by security forces who went to the scene. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital.
One of the occupants of the building told Vanguard that the deceased’s husband was out for a meeting when the incident happened. He was contacted by cell phone and rushed back, but was left to helplessly watch the bodies of his wife and baby beneath the collapsed building.
State police spokesperson Funmi Odunlami could not be reached for comment, but a police officer confirmed the incident.
This tragic tragedy reminds us of the importance of ensuring the safety of buildings and their regular maintenance. Further investigations will be carried out to determine the causes of this collapse and to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
Conclusion:
It is with deep sadness that we report this tragedy in Akure. Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the deceased woman and baby, as well as those injured in hopes of a speedy recovery. We hope that this incident will serve as an urgent reminder of the importance of building safety and that appropriate measures will be taken to avoid such accidents in the future.