Julius Berger, Emergency Agencies battle to rescue trapped workers in Port Harcourt

Rescue operations intensified on Thursday following the collapse of a five-storey building under construction along Dr. Peter Odili Road, near Eterna Filling Station in Port Harcourt, as leading construction firm Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, emergency responders and government agencies stepped up efforts to locate trapped victims.

The building collapsed at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, trapping an unspecified number of construction workers beneath the rubble and sending shockwaves across Rivers State. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after another building collapse in the city, heightening concerns over construction safety standards.

Eyewitnesses said several labourers were working on the site when the structure suddenly caved in. Initial reports indicated that at least seven people were trapped, prompting an immediate rescue operation involving residents, emergency responders and security personnel.

By Wednesday evening, three victims had been rescued alive, while search-and-rescue efforts continued into Thursday.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc played a key role in the operation by deploying heavy-duty and specialised equipment to assist emergency responders. The company provided excavators, mobile cranes, wheel loaders, dump trucks, hydraulic breakers, concrete cutters, lighting equipment, power generators and safety gear to facilitate debris removal and improve access to trapped victims.

The deployment of the equipment significantly boosted rescue efforts, enabling responders to carefully dismantle sections of the collapsed structure and reach areas that were otherwise inaccessible.

Officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were also at the scene, coordinating activities alongside security agencies, including the police. Authorities said the exact cause of the collapse has yet to be established, adding that a full investigation would be conducted.

Speaking on the company’s intervention, Julius Berger’s Regional Manager for the South-South, Engr. Rimon Marisho, said the firm’s participation reflected its commitment to public safety and community support.

“At Julius Berger, we believe there are limitless opportunities for the company, the community, and the country to make tangible progress. This belief compels us to save lives and property by actively participating in rescue operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders,” he said.

Rescue operations were still ongoing as of Thursday, with Julius Berger, emergency responders and government agencies maintaining coordinated efforts to locate any remaining victims.

The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and improved oversight of construction projects to prevent future structural failures.