Rescue operations intensified on Thursday following the collapse of a five-storey building under construction along Dr. Peter Odili Road near Eterna Filling Station in Port Harcourt, as Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, other construction firms, and government agencies scaled up efforts to save trapped workers.
The building reportedly collapsed at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, trapping an unspecified number of construction workers beneath the rubble and leaving residents of the Rivers State capital in shock. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after another building collapse in the city, heightening concerns over construction safety and regulatory compliance.
Eyewitnesses said several labourers were working on the site when the structure suddenly gave way. Initial reports indicated that at least seven persons were trapped. Rescue operations commenced immediately, with local residents, emergency responders and security personnel joining forces to reach those buried under the debris.
By Wednesday evening, three victims had been rescued alive, while search-and-rescue efforts continued through the night and into Thursday.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc played a key role in the rescue operation by deploying heavy-duty equipment and technical resources to support emergency responders. The company provided excavators for debris removal, mobile cranes to lift heavy concrete slabs, wheel loaders for clearing rubble, and dump trucks to transport debris from the site.
It also deployed hydraulic breakers, concrete cutters, lighting equipment, power generators and safety gear to facilitate round-the-clock rescue operations and ensure the safety of personnel working in hazardous conditions.
The deployment of the equipment significantly enhanced rescue efforts, enabling responders to access hard-to-reach sections of the collapsed structure and improving the chances of locating survivors.
Officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were at the scene to coordinate emergency response efforts alongside security agencies, including the police. While the cause of the collapse has yet to be officially established, authorities are expected to launch a comprehensive investigation.
Speaking on the company’s intervention, Julius Berger’s Regional Manager for the South-South, Engr. Rimon Marisho, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to public safety and community support.
“At Julius Berger, we believe there are limitless opportunities for the company, the community and the country to make tangible progress. This belief compels us to save lives and property by actively participating in rescue operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders,” he said.
As of Thursday, rescue operations were still ongoing, with Julius Berger, emergency agencies and other stakeholders maintaining coordinated efforts to locate any remaining victims.
The latest incident has once again underscored the urgent need for strict adherence to building regulations, improved oversight of construction activities and stronger enforcement of safety standards to prevent future building collapses.
