The Rivers State Government has sealed a two-storey building estimated to be over 60 years old in Old Port Harcourt Township after part of it collapsed and injured four persons.
The incident happened around 7pm on Friday, October 9, at No. 18 Club Road. The parapet on the second floor reportedly broke off and crashed onto the ground floor where people were gathered at a bar.
Four persons were injured, including a woman who sustained head and ear injuries. No death was recorded. The victims were rushed to the hospital.
Following the collapse, the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning ordered all occupants to vacate the building over fears of further collapse.
The ministry’s Press Secretary, Isabella Ibim, confirmed on Sunday that the Commissioner, Amairigha Edward Hart, visited the scene on Saturday, October 10, and directed occupants to leave.
She said the commissioner, who suspected the building was over 50 years old, expressed relief that no life was lost and warned residents against living in such ageing structures. She added that the ministry has been sensitising residents and marking old buildings due for renovation in Mile 1, 2 and 3 axis of Diobu, Borikiri and other areas.
The building was cordoned off with red tape on Saturday. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, also confirmed the four injuries and said investigation has commenced.
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