At least six persons escaped death by whiskers after an event center collapsed in Ijero-Ekiti, headquarters of Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday, September 2.
According to reports, the building with 250 occupants had its roof and walls receded while being used as reception venue for a burial ceremony, leaving guests sustaining varying degree of injuries. The prompt arrival of the Fire Services personnel at the incident scene prevented casualties, as they rescued the victims from the rubble and swiftly transported them to the hospital for treatment.
Apart from the wreckage, the building auditorium and surroundings were littered with spilled foods, broken bottles, shoes, male caps, female wigs and headgears.
“A reception exercise for a burial ceremony was ongoing when there was a deep crack on the wall. And suddenly, the roofing and Plaster of Paris(POP) caved in and fell on those who were seated inside the auditorium. This caused a stampede. Many were wounded in the process while some occupants sustained serious bodily injuries. I was here with the Chairman of the Local Government with Fire Service men to rescue the people out of the rubbles. Those who were seriously wounded were immediately taken to the hospital for treatments” an eyewitness said