Survivors of the three-storey student hostel that collapsed near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have narrated their near-death experiences, saying they had no inkling that the building would come crashing down until loud cracks echoed through the structure on Sunday night.
The building, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, a 100-room student hostel located at Amaokpala, collapsed late on Sunday, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble for hours before emergency responders arrived.
Two persons, a male and a female, reportedly died during rescue operations on Monday, while three others were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
However, when our correspondent visited the scene on Tuesday, no rescue operation was ongoing, despite the National Emergency Management Agency stating on Monday that the exercise would continue.
Speaking from her hospital bed in Oko, a 27-year-old survivor, Chinyere, said she occupied a room on the second floor of the building and had moved into the hostel in March without noticing any sign of danger.
