One feared dead, many trapped as building collapses in Rivers

One person is feared dead and many others are trapped after a three-storey building that was under construction collapsed on Wednesday. The building was located along Peter Odili Road, a wealthy area in Port Harcourt.

The exact cause of the collapse is still unknown, but eyewitnesses believe it might be due to structural issues.

Rescue workers have found the body of an unidentified person who was trapped in the debris. Efforts to rescue others are ongoing, coordinated by the Rivers State Government, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

A survivor named Taiwo told reporters that at least seven workers were trapped when the building fell. Taiwo mentioned that his brother was among those trapped but confirmed that four people had been rescued alive by 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

He shared, “This morning, I went out to buy something. About eight people were working inside, and they said some of them are Hausa people. One of my brothers was inside. Four of them were brought out. But other people are still inside (trapped).”

Police officers and representatives from the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning, along with the Ministry of Health, were seen at the site as rescue efforts continued. The Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, was also present.

Wachukwu, who also serves as Director of Medical Services, spoke to reporters at the scene. He said emergency responders were mobilized as soon as the news broke about the building collapse.

He stated, “We are here on Peter Odili Road following disturbing news this morning that a three-storey building collapsed around here. So you can see what is happening in the background. We got this information and, as a health team, we had to quickly mobilise the ambulance team and as many personnel as possible to come for the rescue.”

Wachukwu added, “So far, they have been able to rescue two persons who were severely injured, and they have been rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.”

He also mentioned that emergency services had been put in place to ensure a quick response.

“We have also activated the Hospital Emergency Medical Services. They are at the hospital waiting. The Emergency Unit of RSUTH is also there. In fact, I have seen the Head of the Emergency Unit of RSUTH here. Everybody is here. NEMA, FRSC, and the NSCDC are all here. All the security agencies are here, and all hands are on deck to ensure that people who are still trapped are rescued,” Wachukwu said.