One person has been confirmed dead while several others are feared trapped following the collapse of a three-storey building under construction along Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The building reportedly collapsed on Wednesday morning during active construction work, prompting an emergency response from government agencies and rescue teams.

Witnesses at the scene said workers had resumed duties when the structure suddenly gave way, trapping several labourers beneath the rubble. Rescue operatives have so far pulled out at least four survivors, who were rushed to a hospital for treatment, while the body of one victim has been recovered.

A survivor identified as Taiwo said about eight workers were on the site at the time of the incident.

“This morning, I went out to buy something. About eight people were working inside. One of my brothers was among them. Four people have been rescued, but others are still trapped,” he said.

Rescue efforts are being coordinated by the Rivers State Government with support from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency responders.

Officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health were also deployed to the scene to provide medical support. The Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, confirmed that ambulances and medical personnel had been mobilised to attend to victims.

The cause of the collapse has not yet been determined. However, authorities have commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether building regulations were violated.

The tragedy comes less than 24 hours after another building collapse was reported in the Iwofe area of Port Harcourt, although no casualties were recorded in that incident.

As rescue operations continue, authorities say efforts remain focused on locating and evacuating any remaining victims trapped beneath the debris.