A devastating incident occurred in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, as a one-storey building collapsed, resulting in the tragic deaths of a mother and her nine-day-old baby.
The calamity unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, December 13, when an overhead water tank, newly installed in the compound, fell and crashed into the structure.
The building, situated on Ayedun Street around Hospital/Egbe Road, became the scene of a heart-wrenching catastrophe.
According to a neighbor, the infant, who had been christened just the day before, tragically lost his life instantaneously.
The baby’s elder sibling and their grandmother also sustained injuries of varying degrees.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the collapse was triggered by the recently erected overhead water tank.
Due to insufficient drying time, the blocks supporting the tank were unable to withstand the weight, causing the tank to plummet and bring down the building.
Authorities swiftly responded to the incident, with the police evacuating the bodies of the deceased mother and child, transporting them to a morgue in Akure.
Meanwhile, the injured individuals were promptly provided with medical treatment.
Spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya from the State Police Command confirmed that the collapse was a direct result of the newly installed overhead tank.
The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols during construction and installation processes.
