Four injured as two-storey hotel collapses in Port Harcourt

A section of a two-story hotel has collapsed in the Ada-George area of Port Harcourt, leaving four injured.

The victims are currently receiving treatment in a hospital in the state.

The building, which belongs to 1708 Hotel on Rumuoke by Okilton junction, off Ada George, reportedly collapsed at about 6.15am on Thursday.

The incident occurred when occupants of the building, who were mainly construction workers, were getting ready for the day’s business.

The part of the hotel that collapsed is said to be an expansion of an existing building.

While inspecting the level of damage, Emeka Woke, Rivers state commissioner for works, said the government will take every measure to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the collapse.

“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,” he said.

“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 were taken to the hospital for treatment.”

The commissioner said the governor also directed that the premises of the collapsed building be sealed off pending investigation.

He noted that rescue operations were ongoing at the site to clear the rubble.

Isa Aghaebne, an engineer, said a structural integrity test on the collapsed building will commence on Friday.

He said the collapse might be due to foundation failure or failure of the structure itself.

“We can’t ascertain now until we have concluded an integrity test which is expected to last for about two weeks,” he said.