One Dead, Several Trapped as Building Collapses in Rivers

Agorehmi Bright, Reporting

PORT HARCOURT — A five-storey building under construction collapsed on Wednesday afternoon along Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, leaving one person dead, two others hospitalised, and several workers still trapped beneath the debris.

The structure caved in with a deafening roar, sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood and triggering panic among residents and passers-by as construction workers became buried under the rubble.

An eyewitness, Victor, told newsmen that the collapse drew an immediate response from locals who rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts using manual tools and their bare hands.

“Some persons are still trapped inside. I think one aboki is still there. I have not also seen our brother,” Victor said, his voice heavy with concern.

Another eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing scene: “I personally heard a woman’s voice shouting for help, but for the past 30 minutes they have been searching and she is yet to be found. Searching is still ongoing.”

Emergency Services Mobilised

Speaking at the scene, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, confirmed that emergency medical teams and ambulances had been swiftly deployed following reports of the collapse.

“We are here at Peter Odili Road following the disturbing news that there is a building collapse,” Dr Wachukwu said. “As a health team, we immediately mobilised ambulances and personnel to support the rescue operation.”

He confirmed that three persons had been rescued from the rubble so far, sustaining varying degrees of injuries. They have been rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, where the emergency response unit has been activated.

“So far, three persons have been rescued from the rubble. They sustained varying degrees of injuries and have been rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital for treatment,” Dr Wachukwu stated.

Multi-Agency Rescue Operation

Officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies are currently on the ground coordinating rescue efforts.

“We have also activated the hospital’s emergency response unit. The Head of the Emergency Department is already on ground, while NEMA, the Road Safety Corps, Civil Defence and other security agencies are all participating in the rescue efforts,” Dr Wachukwu added.

“All hands are on deck to ensure that anyone still trapped is rescued.”

As of the time of filing this report, rescue operations were ongoing, with emergency responders continuing to search through the debris for possible survivors.

Second Collapse in 24 Hours

The incident comes barely 24 hours after another three-storey building under construction collapsed along Slaughter Road, off Iwofe Road in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, raising urgent concerns about building safety standards and regulatory enforcement in the state.

The repeated incidents have left residents demanding answers as the search for those still trapped continues into the evening.