All Students Rescued from Collapsed Building in Benin City, No Fatalities Reported

• Sep 14, 2024

The Edo State Government has confirmed that all students trapped in a collapsed three-storey building in Benin City have been rescued safely. The incident occurred on Ekhator Street, near the University of Benin, prompting immediate action from emergency responders.

In a statement, Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, said that there were no fatalities reported. The government is currently investigating the cause of the building's collapse.

Osagie stated, “The government confirms the collapse of a three-storey building on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, beside the University of Benin.” He emphasized that a rescue team was promptly deployed to the scene, and all trapped students are now receiving medical attention.

Emergency responders, including the Edo State Fire Service and officials from the Edo State Command and Control Centre, confirmed that everyone involved in the incident was rescued alive. As of now, there have been no reported deaths linked to the collapse.

Heavy equipment, including excavators, is on-site to clear the debris and remove the remaining parts of the damaged structure. The government has also ordered a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse, as well as an audit of nearby buildings to ensure their safety.

Officials have been stationed at the site to provide ongoing updates regarding the situation. The state government expressed gratitude for the impressive efforts of the emergency responders and local community members who helped manage the crisis.

The prompt response and successful rescue operation have been praised, reflecting the commitment of emergency services to the safety of residents. As the investigation unfolds, the state government aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the integrity of structures in the area.

This incident has raised awareness about building safety and the importance of regular inspections to avoid such tragedies. The community remains vigilant as they await further updates from the authorities regarding the investigation’s findings.