ABUJA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Seven bodies were recovered from the debris of a two-storey building which collapsed late Monday in the central Nigerian city of Jos, according to local officials on Tuesday.
The building in Jos North local government area of the Plateau State capital suddenly collapsed, causing panic among residents in the neighborhood.
Three injured persons have been pulled out of the debris so far, and one of them is in critical condition, said Junni Bala, head of rescue operations at the State Emergency Management Agency.
Bala said the given casualties figure may increase, as the rescue operation was still ongoing.
State police spokesperson Terna Tyopev told Xinhua that the cause of the collapse was yet to be ascertained.
According to him, an investigation would be launched soon to determine the cause.
Building collapses often occur in Nigeria as some property owners and developers do not adhere strictly to planning and building laws and regulations. In most cases, heavy loads are placed on the building and substandard materials are often used in the construction work.
In March, at least 12 pupils of a primary school were confirmed dead following the collapse of a three-storey building which housed their school in Nigeria's commercial hub, Lagos.
