Five members of the same family have died after a concrete water reservoir collapsed onto their home at Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The tragedy occurred at about 5:45 a.m. on September 18, 2026, when the reservoir, attached to an uncompleted building, collapsed onto the adjoining house of a neighbour identified as Raphael Onwu.
The Enugu State Police Command said Onwu, his wife, mother and two children were killed in the incident, while a nine-year-old boy was rescued alive and taken to hospital for treatment.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued on September 24, 2026, saying the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, had ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
According to Ndukwe, Police operatives from the Awgu Division immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident, with support from the National Emergency Management Agency and members of the community.
He said the five victims were recovered from the debris and taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead before their remains were deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Police said the owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, identified as Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey, had been arrested in connection with the tragedy.
Ndukwe quoted CP Giwa as condoling with the bereaved family and the community, while assuring that appropriate action would follow the outcome of the investigation.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to avoid unsafe construction practices and ensure compliance with approved safety standards by engaging qualified professionals.
The Police Command said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and guide further action by the authorities.
