PHOTOS: Three-Storey Building in Rivers state, 7 Injured

No Fatalities in Ikwerre Building Collapse, Claims Rivers Commissioner

Rivers State – In a recent incident in Ikwerre Local Government Area, a three-story building under construction collapsed on Saturday, January 4. Fortunately, Mr. Evans Bipi, the Rivers Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, reported that there were no fatalities resulting from the collapse.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Emeka Idika, Commissioner Bipi detailed the prompt rescue efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Special Duties in conjunction with other agencies. These coordinated actions played a crucial role in ensuring that all individuals affected received timely medical attention.

Although no lives were lost, the commissioner noted that at least seven individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries from the incident. “It’s unfortunate that we are starting the year with this tragic event. Yet, I’m relieved that no one lost their life. However, this marks the fourth building collapse we have experienced in the state since I took office,” Bipi stated.

Preliminary investigations at the site indicate the collapse may have been caused by the use of substandard building materials. Specifically, the use of 12mm rods for the decking was identified as a serious breach of construction standards, a concern that has been linked to previous collapses in the state as well. As a precaution, the affected property has been sealed off while a thorough investigation is conducted to determine the exact cause of the collapse.