A building marked for demolition in 2016 yesterday collapsed in Asaba, killing 10 and trapping many others.

The building, opposite Rainoil Petrol Station, before Marble Hill Junction, Okpanam Road, Asaba, Delta State capital, was said to be housing a church, the Salvation Ministry, and some shops.

According to eyewitness account, the building, which was undergoing renovation, caved in while a church service was ongoing with most of the casualties feared to be children as the collapse reportedly happened from the children’s section of the church.

It was being used for the first time since undergoing renovation. It reportedly collapsed at about 5:55 p.m. during yesterday’s evening service.

Some parents were seen moving helplessly as no one was certain about the fate of those trapped in the rubble. The building, it was gathered, had been marked for demolition since October 16, 2016.

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Emergency workers and rescue workers were finding it difficult to go on with rescue operations because of the large crowd at the scene of the incident.

About eight persons were said to have been rescued unhurt, while four others have been rushed to the Asaba Specialist Hospital.

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At the time of filing this report, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah; the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ononye Mordi, a team of Red Cross officials, and fire fighters were on ground for rescuing mission.