Four people have been injured after part of a building believed to be more than 60 years old collapsed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The incident occurred around 7pm on Friday at No. 18 Club Road in the Old Port Harcourt Township, when the parapet on the second floor of the two-storey building reportedly broke away and fell onto the ground floor, where people were gathered at a bar.
An eyewitness said the collapse caused panic among those at the scene, adding that some people were hit by falling debris.
“There was confusion because nobody expected that sort of thing,” the witness said.
A woman was among those injured, reportedly sustaining wounds around her head and ear.
The building’s age and deteriorating condition also raised concerns about the possibility of further structural failure.
Following the incident, occupants reportedly fled the property over fears that other sections of the building could collapse.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Amairigha Edward Hart, visited the scene on Saturday and ordered the immediate evacuation of the building.
The ministry’s Press Secretary, Isabella Ibim, said the commissioner was relieved that no lives were lost and cautioned residents against occupying ageing buildings showing signs of structural deterioration.
Hart also said the ministry had been carrying out awareness campaigns and identifying buildings requiring renovation in Diobu, Borikiri and other parts of Port Harcourt.
Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, said four people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
“Four persons were injured, and they were rushed to the hospital,” Agabe said.
She added that the police had cordoned off the property and commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
A visit to the scene on Sunday showed that debris had been cleared from the frontage of the building, although visible signs of the collapse remained.
Red tape was also placed around the property to restrict unauthorised access.
The cause of the partial collapse had yet to be determined as of the time of filing this report.
