UDU, DELTA STATE – Panic erupted during a wedding reception in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State after the plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling of an event centre reportedly collapsed midway through the celebration.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, abruptly disrupted the ceremony as guests, family members and other well-wishers scampered for safety.
Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as a frightening experience, with one witness saying the collapse brought what had been a joyous occasion to a sudden halt.
“It was so sad. It just disrupted the celebration of the couple,” a witness said.
Another attendee described the incident as “a bad memory” for the newlyweds, noting that the unexpected collapse overshadowed what was meant to be a memorable day.
Following the incident, some residents and witnesses called on property developers and event centre owners to prioritise safety by engaging qualified building professionals and experienced POP installers during construction and interior finishing.
They stressed that adherence to professional standards and regular structural inspections are essential to preventing avoidable accidents and safeguarding lives and property.
The cause of the ceiling collapse had not been officially determined as of the time of filing this report.
