Tobias Sylvester
Ten persons are feared dead following the collapse of a one-storey building belonging to Salvation Ministries Church at Okpanam Road, Asaba, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was gathered that an unspecified number of worshippers were also trapped in the church building, which reportedly collapsed at about 5:55 p.m. during a Tuesday evening service.
The building, which is being used for the first time, was undergoing another phase of reconstruction when the mishap occurred, thereby trapping some worshippers, particularly children who were at a separate section of the church.
Reports said eight persons have been rescued unhurt, while four persons have been rushed to the Asaba Specialist Hospital where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
The Sun quoted a church member, who simply identified herself as Grace, saying that the service was going on when the building collapsed with a thunderous noise.
She said, ”We were clapping and praying when suddenly we heard the cracking and the building swallowed the children section with some children in Bible class.”
According to her, the church was observing its New Year 21-day fasting, adding that members had come to break Tuesday’s fasting with a communion service.
Men of the Delta State Emergency Management Agency, fire service and the state police command formed the rescue team as trapped children were crying under the debris of the collapsed building.
The exact number of casualties are yet to be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, but the rescue team is searching for trapped bodies under the debris.
KanyiDaily had also reported how a Catholic church building in Benue collapsed, killing some 30 villagers who were worshipping during the Easter vigil night at the church.
