Three killed, four injured as shopping complex collapses in Osun

Three individuals have lost their lives and four others sustained injuries after a multi-story shopping complex in Owode-Ede, Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State collapsed. The incident took place around 11 pm on Friday, trapping seven artisans working at the construction site under the rubble. These victims were apprentice tilers who had traveled from Ejigbo, Osun State, to work on the building.

They had decided to sleep at the construction site after working late into the night, with plans to resume their work on Saturday morning. The building's boss was reportedly absent at the time of the collapse.

Sources revealed that the structure was already in a poor state prior to the collapse, leading to questions about its structural integrity. The shopping complex comprised 12 shops on the second and third floors, while the basement housed two more stores. Allegations suggest that the construction was executed without adequate engineering supervision, with the owner personally overseeing the project. The owner, whose residence is adjacent to the shopping complex, was also responsible for procuring the building materials.

A video capturing the event depicted the structure reduced to rubble, with debris scattered across the scene as rescue efforts were underway. Emergency responders, including officers from the Federal Fire Service, were present at the site attempting to rescue the trapped artisans and provide medical assistance to the injured. While three victims were confirmed dead, four others suffered varying degrees of injuries.

The cause of the collapse remains unverified as of now, and authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the matter. Further details concerning the identities of the victims and the condition of the injured survivors are yet to be disclosed.