Three persons have been rescued while one fatality has been recorded following the collapse of a six-storey building under construction in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as emergency responders continue intensive search and rescue operations at the scene.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), a multi-agency search and rescue team was immediately activated following the incident and has continued to comb through the debris in search of additional survivors who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The Agency stated that rescue personnel are working tirelessly despite the unstable condition of the collapsed structure, with strict safety protocols being observed to safeguard emergency responders throughout the operation.
NEMA further revealed that Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, visited the disaster site on Thursday to conduct an on-the-spot assessment as the state government continues to receive regular updates on the progress of the ongoing rescue mission.
NEMA also commended Julius Berger Construction Company for deploying a heavy-duty crane to assist in the operation, noting that the equipment has been instrumental in the safe dismantling of the compromised structure and has significantly enhanced access for rescue teams.
In a related development, the Agency announced that search and rescue operations at the site of the collapsed three-storey commercial building complex in Alakija, Lagos State, have been successfully concluded.
According to NEMA, rubble clearance is currently underway through the collaborative efforts of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and other partner emergency response agencies.
NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to effective disaster management and emergency response across the country, stressing that it remains dedicated to protecting lives, coordinating timely interventions, and strengthening national resilience against disasters.
