Samuel Paul, a construction worker who had spent two months at the site, said Saturday, November 14, began as an ordinary working day despite growing exhaustion among the labourers.
According to Paul, the workers had poured concrete the previous day and several colleagues were reluctant to enter the building because of fatigue. However, they eventually resumed their duties.
He disclosed that a water shortage forced him and six other workers to transport heavy cement manually to another section of the construction site.
At approximately 11:30am, their routine was interrupted by a frightening scream. Moments later, construction materials, stones and iron sheets came crashing down, sending workers scrambling for safety.
Amid the thick dust, Paul spotted a colleague trapped beneath a massive stone. He desperately attempted to lift the heavy object but could not move it.
The trapped worker, seemingly aware that rescue was becoming impossible, looked at Paul and uttered his final words: "Paul, I am going."
Paul also raised concerns about the emergency response, claiming that injured workers were transported to hospital using private vehicles before an ambulance eventually arrived.
He further alleged that workers had previously complained about bent metal bars at the construction site but their concerns were dismissed, with instructions to straighten the materials.
The tragedy has left Paul anxiously waiting for his close friend, who remains missing beneath the rubble. He reportedly still has his friend's phone and clothes as rescue efforts continue.
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Riverside building collapse: Survivor recounts colleague’s tragic final words
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