Eight persons are reportedly battling death after a 20-storey hotel building undergoing construction in Asaba, Delta State collapsed Thursday evening.

The multiple billion-naira hotel building is directly opposite Delta Mall, Asaba (Shoprite).

The building is owned by billionaire businessman and founder of Rain Oil Group, Chief Gabriel Ogbechie.

An eyewitness said they suddenly heard a loud sound while workers were engaged in construction work.

The eyewitness, who identified herself as Onyinye Okei, said about eight persons sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital by their colleagues.

Speaking with newsmen after inspecting the building, the State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Mr. Michael Anoka said the incident was as a result of a building defect.

Anoka, who said there was no casualty, noted that “The Ministry is still investigating. The government is already taking measures and as you can see, the compound has been sealed. After our investigation, we will come up with a report of what happened here today.

“Everybody should be calm; the government has already started measures before this incident today. We are trying to put up a process so that we will be able to avoid such situations.”

The scene of the incident has been cordoned off by officials of State Emergency Management Agency and security operatives.