Rivers Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Evans Bipi, reported that there were no fatalities due to the collapse of a three-storey building in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Emeka Idika, the Commissioner indicated that the incident, which involved a building under construction, took place on Saturday, January 4.
Bipi noted that a rapid rescue operation carried out by the ministry, together with the special task team and various joint efforts, successfully prevented loss of life, although some victims were transported to hospital for medical treatment.
He confirmed that at least seven people suffered injuries of varying degrees in the incident.
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“It is unfortunate that we are starting the year with this tragic event. Fortunately, no lives were lost; However, this marks the fourth building collapse we have experienced in the state since I took office,” he said.
Preliminary investigations at the site suggest that the building may have collapsed due to the builder's use of poor quality materials.
Specifically, the use of 12 mm rods for decking is a clear violation of building regulations. Unfortunately, similar incidents in the state have been associated with the same problem, the commissioner said.
The property has been sealed pending a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse, the commissioner added.