The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has begun a probe into an ongoing 100-room, four-storey hotel building that partly collapsed in Enugu recently.

The building, located on Independence Layout, Enugu, suddenly collapsed in the early hours of Sunday, September 13, 2026, killing one worker and leaving others with severe injuries.

A 15- member Project Investigation, Failure and Collapse Analysis (PIFCA) committee constituted by the NSE Enugu State Council, led by Dr Victor Chiwuzie visited the site of the collapse on Thursday.

Speaking after conducting the members’ round of the structure, Chiwuzie stated that the aim was to ascertain possible factors that led to the collapse, proffer advice, and apportion blame as a way to prevent further recurrence.

“We wanted to find out where it happened, what happened, is it the fault of the design? Was it a construction problem? So, we know exactly what has happened so that in future such lapses will be checked. That’s the whole idea.
“We need to find out who is responsible for the failure, whether it was professionally handled or people are just taking things for granted. You see, because the problem now is that sometimes people just start construction work, without any proper engineering expertise being involved in the construction of the projects”, he said.

Asked how the committee would get to the root of the cause of the collapse with reports that those supervising the project had taken to their heels, he said the committee would do all in her power to track them.

“That’s why we say we need to see all those people who are involved in the construction work. The issue of saying that the contractor and the people supervising are on the run is not acceptable to us because they can be found. So we know exactly what is the quality of the materials they are using on site.

“If, at the beginning, the right calibre of staff were being used in this project, this collapse wouldn’t have happened. All the money being spent now could have been used for other things. You wouldn’t have spent half of it paying an engineer to ensure that you start the work well.
“This is why we want to see the process, so that we know exactly what happened. Know the quality of material being used. You can see some of the beams look like broomsticks. So, where were they used? This is the thing we need to find out.

“So you see, we need to see the people who are involved. So we question them, find out exactly what they have done on site. Compared to what is on the drawing. And then we will be able to draw a conclusion from previous experiences. Many of us have been in practice for the past 50 years. I think, even in a twinkle of an eye, we will know what has happened”, he added

He said the committee was committed to the assignment and would furnish the public with their findings at the end of the day.
Also speaking, State Chairman of the NSE, Loveday Osondu, said the collapse of the hotel building under construction was a sobering reminder that engineering decisions have direct consequences for human life and public safety.

He therefore, called on engineers to remain committed to competence, integrity, accountability, and strict adherence to professional standards.

“We extend our concern to everyone affected by this unfortunate incident and commend the emergency responders and relevant agencies involved in managing the situation.

“Let this incident serve as a renewed call for collective responsibility among government authorities, developers, contractors, engineers, and all professionals in the built environment”, he said

Osondu assured that NSE Enugu Branch was ready to contribute its technical knowledge and professional expertise towards ensuring safer construction practices and more reliable infrastructure throughout Enugu State.

“Our message is clear: Every building must be designed properly, constructed responsibly, supervised professionally, and made safe for its intended use”, he said.