Collapse Building: IMSU Students Escape Death, as New Lecture Hall Gave Way

Posted by African Examiner education, Latest Headlines, News Saturday, June 21st, 2014

From Ignatius Okpara, Owerri,

Less than three months after the multi-million naira Princess Hotel, Okigwe, being constructed by Imo State Government collapsed, scores of students of the State University (IMSU) Owerri, on Friday narrowly cheated death when a storey building lecture hall and office complex gave way in the campus.

The twin lecture hall which is at the completion stage, is being constructed by the state government as one of the measures to solve accommodation problems in the institution.

The twin lecture hall which collapsed on Friday

An eye-witness account, had it that the building collapsed in the afternoon when students and staff were moving around for the day’s businesses.

However, African Examiner’s findings revealed that the structure, caved in from its base after the POP ceilings were fixed.

It was gathered that cracked signs awoke the students, who reside by the building as a result, hurriedly rushed out after which the building came down.

When our correspondent visited the scene, the building was cordoned with signs of caution and danger to avert further disaster.

Although, no life was lost, yet the development was again blamed possibly on the use of substandard materials.

In her response, a woman who operates a stall near the collapsed building, confirmed to our correspondent that crack signal before the collapse was thesaving grace for the students who escaped unhurt.

When African Examiner contacted the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie for comment, he confirmed the incident but said he was not in a better position to make further statement relating to either the contractor or the building.