Tragic Sand Collapse in Umuomoko Ihitte, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State: A Community in Mourning
In a devastating incident, six young men from Umuamadi Village in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area went through a sand collapse while loading sand for commercial purposes in Umuomoko Ihitte, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA. This tragic event has left the community in deep grief and sorrow.
The unfortunate accident happened late in the evening, and the distress call came at around 9 PM from a community leader, Hon. Chief Nwakaibeya. Upon hearing the news, Hon. Chris N. Anyanwu, the Councillor of Ngurunweke Ward, immediately alerted the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe. Despite their efforts to organize a rescue mission overnight, the late hour made immediate action challenging.
At dawn, Hon. Chris N. Anyanwu, along with Hon. Chief Nwakaibeya, Chief Charles Ogu, and Nze Julian Nwaogu, went to the scene to assess the situation. Sadly, two young men, Ezeagu Ikesinachi, aged 16, and Chima Chilaka, aged 18, were already found dead. Three others—Anuforo Chukwuebuka, Ariwuodo Ebuka, and the pay-loader driver, Tochukwu Nwachukwu—were rescued alive. However, one victim, Chiedozie Ahiwe, is still missing, buried under the sand.
Cranburg Construction Company, the firm working on the Umuahia-Owerri road project, sent a pay-loader operator to help with the rescue efforts. Their involvement has been a significant boost as the community continues its search for the missing individual.
This heartbreaking event highlights the risks young men face while working hard to make a living. Hon. Chris N. Anyanwu assured the community of his commitment to supporting the rescue efforts and helping the affected families during this difficult time.
The entire community extends its deepest condolences to the grieving families and wishes for a speedy recovery for the survivors. They remain united in their determination to find the missing young man and offer support to all those affected by this tragedy. More updates will follow as the situation develops.
