Four people have sustained injuries following the partial collapse of a building believed to be over 60 years old in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to The PUNCH, the incident occurred on Friday evening at No. 18 Club Road in the Old Port Harcourt Township area.
The parapet on the second floor of the two-storey building reportedly detached from the main structure. It then fell onto the ground floor, where several people were gathered at a bar.
An eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, said the incident occurred around 7 p.m., causing panic among those present.
“There was confusion because nobody expected that sort of thing,” the eyewitness said.
He explained that some people sustained injuries from the falling debris. This included a woman who suffered injuries around her head and ear.
The witness also expressed concern about the building’s age and deteriorating condition. He noted that the structure had existed for more than six decades.
Rivers government orders evacuation after building collapse
Following the incident, occupants reportedly evacuated the building over fears that other sections could collapse.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Amairigha Edward Hart, visited the scene on Saturday to assess the damage.
The ministry’s Press Secretary, Isabella Ibim, confirmed that the commissioner directed all occupants to vacate the premises immediately.
She explained that Hart expressed relief that no lives were lost. She also warned residents against occupying ageing structures showing signs of deterioration.
The commissioner also disclosed that the ministry had been conducting awareness campaigns. The ministry identified buildings requiring renovation in Diobu, Borikiri and other parts of Port Harcourt.
Police confirm four injured, begin investigation
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that four people sustained injuries during the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, said the victims had been taken to the hospital for treatment.
“Four persons were injured, and they were rushed to the hospital,” Agabe confirmed.
She added that authorities had cordoned off the building and commenced investigations into the incident.
A visit to the scene on Sunday showed that officials had cleared the debris from the building’s frontage.
However, signs of the collapse remained visible, while red tape had been placed around the property to prevent unauthorised access.
The exact cause of the partial collapse has yet to be established as investigations continue.
