Emergency crews rushed to the scene in Port Harcourt on Thursday after a five-storey building collapsed, trapping an unknown number of people beneath the rubble. One person has been confirmed dead while rescue workers continue efforts to reach those still trapped inside the wreckage.
Building Collapses During Afternoon Hours
The structure gave way in the afternoon, sending a plume of dust over the surrounding neighbourhood. Neighbours reported hearing a loud crack before the building folded in on itself. Emergency services arrived within minutes, establishing a perimeter around the site.
Fire service personnel and civil defence volunteers worked through the debris, searching for survivors. The collapse has raised questions about construction standards in Nigeria's oil hub. Premium Times reported that officials confirmed one fatality as of Thursday evening.
Rescue Operations Underway
Teams used heavy equipment to lift concrete slabs while volunteers manually cleared smaller debris. The operation continued into the night, with workers rotating in shifts to maintain momentum. Medical personnel set up a triage area nearby to treat any survivors pulled from the wreckage.
Authorities have not released a specific number of people believed to be inside when the collapse occurred. Witnesses said several residents were seen entering the building shortly before it fell. The National Emergency Management Agency said its local command was coordinating the response.
Location and Building History
The incident occurred in Port Harcourt, Rivers State's capital and commercial centre. The city has seen rapid construction in recent years as population growth outpaces regulatory oversight. The collapsed building stood in a mixed-use area with shops on the lower floors and residential units above.
Local officials said the building had been under renovation for several weeks. Workers were adding an additional floor when the structure gave way. It remains unclear whether the necessary permits were obtained before the work began.
Safety Concerns Mount
Building collapses are not uncommon in Nigeria's major cities. Defective materials, poor workmanship, and weak enforcement of building codes have contributed to numerous incidents over the years. Rivers State has recorded several similar events in the past decade.
The Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers has repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of construction regulations. The body said on Thursday that it was monitoring the situation in Port Harcourt and stood ready to assist with technical assessments.
Community Response and Witness Accounts
Residents gathered near the scene throughout the evening, some searching for missing family members. Others brought water and food for the rescue workers. The community has repeatedly raised concerns about construction practices in the area, according to local residents who spoke with reporters.
One woman said her brother lived on the third floor and had not answered his phone since the collapse. She waited at the perimeter for hours, hoping for news. Several families spent the night near the site, refusing to leave until officials confirmed the fate of their loved ones.
Investigation Launched
The Rivers State government said it had opened an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Officials from the state Ministry of Works will examine the building's construction records and the renovation work carried out in recent weeks. The government promised to hold responsible any parties found to have violated safety standards.
Police have cordoned off the surrounding streets to allow rescue teams unrestricted access. Officers are also gathering statements from witnesses and workers who were present at the site before the collapse.
What Happens Next
Rescue operations are expected to continue through the weekend. Authorities will provide updates as teams work through the debris. Once the site is cleared, engineers will assess the structural failures that led to the collapse. The investigation findings could take several weeks to complete.
Families of those still missing should contact the emergency operations centre set up near the site. Officials have urged the public to remain patient while rescue workers carry out their efforts. The government has pledged support for any residents displaced by the collapse.
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The community has repeatedly raised concerns about construction practices in the area, according to local residents who spoke with reporters.One woman said her brother lived on the third floor and had not answered his phone since the collapse. The investigation findings could take several weeks to complete.Families of those still missing should contact the emergency operations centre set up near the site.
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