In what would have been a major tragedy, Gov. Emmanuel Udom escaped possible death by not arriving on time at a church programme he was suppose to attend in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

The Church building collapse. Twitter photo

UPDATE ON REIGNERS BIBLE CHURCH COLLAPSE IN UYO:
DEAD TOLL RISES TO 18, OVER 50 SEVERELY WOUNDED,@MrUdomEmmanuel ESCAPED BY WHISKER pic.twitter.com/U1fjSW9v2y

— APC NEWS TV (@APCNEWSTV) 10 December 2016

According to a witness, The Reigners Bible Church, located along Uyo Village Road, was filled to capacity because its pastor was being consecrated as a Bishop, when the tragedy occurred.

The witness according to Premium Times said the Church was being renovated and upgraded because of the expected high number of guests on Saturday.

“Many people are buried under the debris as emergency workers continue rescue exercise,” he said.

Governor Udom Emmanuel was expected to attend the occasion, but, sources said he was not at the church when it collapsed.

“The governor has gone to the scene and is presently there helping with the rescue,” a witness said.

Sources said many victims have been taken to various hospitals and mortuaries in the town.

Some senior government officials are suspected to be among the victims.

The casualty figure is still unknown.