BREAKING: One dead, many trapped as three-storey building collapses in Rivers

One person is feared dead while several others remain trapped after a three-storey building under construction collapsed on Wednesday along Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt.

The building, located in the upscale area of the city, suddenly gave way, leaving workers and other occupants buried beneath the rubble.

Although the exact cause of the collapse has yet to be determined, eyewitnesses linked the incident to possible structural defects.

Rescue workers at the scene have recovered the lifeless body of an unidentified victim who was among those trapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue others still believed to be beneath the debris.

Ongoing rescue efforts are being coordinated by the Rivers State Government, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

A survivor at the construction site, identified simply as Taiwo, told newsmen that no fewer than seven workers were trapped when the building suddenly caved in.

Taiwo, who said his brother was among those trapped, however, revealed that about four people had been rescued alive as of 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

He stated, “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 operatives and officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning, as well as the Ministry of Health, including the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, were sighted at the scene as rescue operations continued.

Speaking to newsmen at the scene, Wachukwu, who also serves as Director of Medical Services, said emergency responders had been mobilised immediately after reports of the incident.

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.

“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.”

The Acting Permanent Secretary further said emergency services had been activated to ensure a swift 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 added.

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