An appendage of a two-story hotel has collapsed in the Ada-George area of Port Harcourt, leaving four injured persons who are now receiving treatment in the hospital.
The two-storey building, which belonged to 1708 Hotel located at Rumuoke by Okilton Junction, off Ada George, collapsed at approximately 6:15 am on Thursday. The incident shocked residents of the area who were still in their sleep, while the occupants of the building, mainly site workers, were preparing to start their day’s job.
Emeka Woke, the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, personally inspected the level of damage and the causes of the collapse. He assured that the government would take every necessary measure to unveil both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
Woke stated, “Early this morning, the governor, Siminialaye Fubara, was informed about this building collapse and he directed that I immediately visit the site on his behalf and assess the extent of damage and report back to him. Having seen the building, the first thing we did was carry out a personnel audit and from available records, no life was lost, but we have been told that four persons sustained some injuries and have been taken to the hospital for treatment.”
Following the governor’s directive, the premises of the collapsed building have been sealed off pending an investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, ongoing rescue operations are continuing at the scene to evacuate the rubble.
Mr. Isa Aghaebne, the engineer in charge of the integrity test on the collapsed building, revealed that a structural integrity test will commence on Friday. He stated that the potential causes of the collapse could be foundation failure or structural instability. However, a conclusive result will only be determined after a rigorous two-week integrity test.
The collapsed building was part of an expansion project for an existing structure in the area.
As investigations continue, our thoughts and prayers are with the injured individuals and their families, hoping for their swift recovery.
