The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building that resulted in injuries to at least four individuals. The incident took place on Thursday on Rumuoke Street, off Okilton Junction, Ada George Road, in the Port Harcourt area. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in a statement issued by his media aide, Boniface Onyedi, has directed relevant government agencies to swiftly identify those responsible for the project. The governor emphasized the importance of determining both the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse.According to the statement, the Ministry of Urban Development will take immediate action by conducting comprehensive site investigations and inspections. This will involve conducting destructive and non-destructive tests on the collapsed structural elements to assess their strength, including determining the yield strength of the reinforcements and conducting soil analysis at the site. The goal is to establish the precise factors that led to the building collapse. If any wrongdoing is discovered on the part of those involved in the project, they will face legal prosecution as a deterrent to others.Governor Fubara expressed his sympathy for the injured victims, whom he visited at the hospital. He was assured by the attending doctors that they are in stable condition and expected to be discharged within a few days. The government has acted swiftly to deploy earth-moving equipment to the site to facilitate the removal of debris from the collapsed building. Additionally, the site has been cordoned off to ensure public safety.Eyewitnesses reported that construction workers were present at the site when the building suddenly gave way, trapping several individuals. Tonye, an eyewitness, described how residents became aware of the collapse when they heard a loud sound, causing fear and anxiety. The cause of the collapse remains unknown, but it was revealed that some of the laborers were residing within the building during the construction process.Tonye stated, “This morning, we witnessed the rescue of three individuals who were alive, and they were immediately taken to the hospital. We are aware that some individuals, including those working on the building’s tiles, were also residing in the structure. At present, we are uncertain if there are additional casualties.”A female resident, who preferred to remain anonymous due to security concerns, recounted the rescue efforts at the scene. She revealed that upon reaching the collapsed building, a man was discovered crawling out of the rubble, prompting an immediate rescue operation. However, she mentioned that some workers had previously raised concerns after noticing cracks in the building under construction.”Some workers reported seeing cracks in the building and alerted their colleagues who were inside, but they didn’t hear the warning due to loud music. Subsequently, the building started shaking, prompting those on the lower floors to flee. The next thing we witnessed was the collapse of the building. Our prayers are with the injured, hoping for their survival,” the resident disclosed.Emeka Woke, the state Commissioner for Special Duties, conducted an on-site assessment of the incident. He assured the public that the state government is committed to investigating the cause of the building collapse thoroughly.