Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State has directed an immediate inquiry into the collapse of a building in Port Harcourt, resulting in injuries to four individuals.
The two-story structure, reportedly in the process of being constructed along Okilton Drive in Ada George, collapsed on Thursday morning, trapping several workers at the site until rescuers arrived. Governor Fubara, represented by Commissioner for Special Projects Chukwuemeka Woke, conducted a prompt inspection and mandated a thorough investigation into the incident.
He instructed that the Ministry of Urban Development promptly conduct on-site investigations, both destructive and non-destructive tests, on the collapsed structural components. These tests will determine the strength of the reinforcements by assessing the yield strength, as well as conduct a sieve analysis of the soil at the location. The aim is to identify the immediate and underlying reasons for the building’s collapse.
“If there is any compromise by those involved in the project, they will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.”
He expressed his condolences to the four injured victims he encountered during his visit to the hospital. The doctors reassured him that the individuals were in stable condition and would be discharged within a few days.
In response to the incident, the state government swiftly organized the deployment of earth-moving machinery to the site for the purpose of clearing away the debris from the collapsed building. Furthermore, the area surrounding the site has been cordoned off for safety reasons.
An eyewitness, simply identified as Tony, had narrated, “Some workers noticed some cracks in the building and alerted co-workers. After that time, the building started shaking, so those downstairs ran off. Next thing, the building started collapsing.
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“We pray those injured survive. We saw three persons rescued this morning were still alive, and they were taken to the hospital. We are aware some POP people and tilers working on the building live inside. Right now, we don’t know whether there are other casualties.”
