The Enugu State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a concrete water reservoir that claimed the lives of five members of the same family at Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area, in the early hours of September 18.
The Police on the said day received information that the reservoir, attached to an uncompleted building, had collapsed onto the adjoining house of a neighbour, identified as Raphael Onwu (male). Onwu, his wife, mother and two children d!ed in the incident.
Police operatives from Awgu Division promptly mobilized to the scene and, with support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community members, rescued a 9-year-old male child, 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.
Confirming the incident to newsmen, the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, one Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey, has been arrested in connection with the tragic incident.
