Several people are feared trapped after a three-storey building suddenly collapsed in Rivers State, triggering an emergency rescue operation.
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS — A three-storey building collapsed on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, trapping an unspecified number of people beneath the rubble. Emergency officials and residents immediately began rescue efforts as crowds gathered around the scene. According to eyewitnesses, the structure gave way without warning, causing panic in the area.
Rescue workers, including officials from emergency management agencies and security personnel, arrived at the location shortly after the incident. Witnesses said residents joined first responders in searching through the debris for survivors. Authorities had yet to confirm the exact number of people trapped or injured at the time of filing this report.
A resident near the scene said the collapse happened suddenly and drew hundreds of people to the area. Emergency responders urged residents to stay away from the building site to allow rescue operations to continue without obstruction. Officials also appealed for calm as efforts continued to locate those still under the rubble.
Building collapses remain a major concern in several parts of Nigeria, with experts often linking such incidents to poor construction standards, substandard materials and failure to comply with approved building regulations. Rivers State and other parts of the country have recorded similar incidents in recent years, prompting repeated calls for stricter enforcement of construction laws.
The development means authorities will likely launch an investigation into the cause of the collapse after rescue operations end. The incident has also renewed concerns about building safety and the need for stronger monitoring of construction projects across Nigeria.
