One Dead, Many Trapped in Port Harcourt Building Collapse

On Wednesday morning, a five-storey building collapsed along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leading to the death of one person and trapping several others beneath the debris. The incident occurred around 7:30 AM, with rescue operations underway to locate victims, including a site engineer and a food vendor believed to be trapped.

Eyewitnesses reported that the deceased was struck on the head by a falling pillar. Four victims were rescued and taken to the River State University Teaching Hospital for treatment.

The building, initially approved as a three-storey hotel, was expanded without proper authorization. The River State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, along with other agencies, is coordinating the rescue efforts.

Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Director of Medical Services, confirmed that emergency teams were mobilized quickly. The incident has raised concerns about substandard building materials and the need for stricter enforcement of construction regulations.