Rivers building Collapse: 1 dead, 20 rescued

Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

The number of those rescued from the seven-storey building that collapse on Friday evening in Port Harcourt ,Rivers State has risen to 20 and as one was confirmed dead.

The Rivers State Government has stated that it will launch a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collapsed 7-storey building under construction at Woji Road of New GRA Port Harcourt.

In statement signed by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to Governor Nyesom Wike on Electronic Media, the State Government also declared that it would ensure that all persons trapped under the rubble of the 7-storey collapsed building were rescued.

Speaking at the site of the collapsed building, Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke said that about 20 persons had been rescued alive, while emergency personnel mobilised by the Rivers State Government were working round the clock to rescue more trapped persons.

Woke said that leading officials of the Rivers State Government, including the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon Kenneth Kobani, the Attorney General of Rivers State, Zacheus Adangor; Commissioner for Information, Emma Okah; Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Onowu and Commissioner for Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye, were on ground.

Also on ground were the State Commissioner for Energy, Dr John Bazia, Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Mr Victor Ihunwo Nyeche; Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Obinna Anyanwu; Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George Kerley and a member of the House of Assembly, Mr Enemi Alabo George.

He said that the State Government had mobilised the State Fire Service, Civil Defence, Police, Ministry of Works and Construction giants to participate in the massive rescue operation.

“All the relevant agencies and organisations needed for the rescue operation have been mobilised by the Rivers State Government.

“So far, about 20 persons have been rescued alive , while one person has been confirmed dead. The comprehensive rescue operation is ongoing and we continue till the last person is rescued.

“This is an unfortunate incident. The Rivers State Government will launch an inquiry into this building collapse. Anybody found to have contravened the law will face the full weight of the law”, he said.