A tragic incident occurred in Mgbemena, Coal Camp, Enugu North LGA, Enugu State, on September 1, 2023. A high fence collapsed onto a bungalow at No 3 Mgbemena, resulting in the loss of four lives and injuring two others critically. Responding to the report, a joint team comprising NEMA South East Zone, ENSEMA, Enugu State Capital Development Authority, and Mgbemena Neighborhood watch rushed to the scene to assist those trapped or in distress.
Following this, the team visited the critically injured individuals who were admitted to Eastern Medical Center in Enugu to assess their injuries. The collapsed fence had previously fallen in 2022 but was rebuilt without proper reinforcement. Factors such as a poor drainage system, heavy rainfall on the day of the incident, and the topography of the area all contributed to the fence’s collapse and subsequent destruction of the poorly constructed bungalow.
Sadly, four lives were lost, and two individuals are currently receiving treatment at Eastern Medical Centre, Enugu, where they are conscious and responding well to treatment. The deceased have been taken to Colliery mortuary, Enugu. Four households were affected by this tragic incident. Due to the area’s poor planning, it was challenging to bring heavy-duty equipment to the scene.
The Enugu State Capital Development Authority has informed the building’s occupants of a planned demolition and given them 48 hours to vacate the premises. The joint efforts of neighbors and volunteers played a crucial role in reducing the loss of lives and property damage during this unfortunate event. Coordinates for the incident are as follows: 6.431983°N, 7.486638°E.
