Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Six days after a five-storey building under construction collapsed along Dr Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt, rescue operations have ground to a halt, and a foul stench now hangs over the site, raising fears that more bodies may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The building, located near Eterna Filling Station, caved in at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, trapping an unspecified number of construction workers. One person was confirmed dead on the day of the collapse, while three others were rescued alive.
Media personality Biola Festus Awodein, who has been providing updates on the situation, said major rescue operations lasted for only two days before they were stalled by the building's lift shaft. According to her, excavation cannot commence until the shaft is brought down.
The lift shaft, a vertical structure that remains standing precariously, has become a major obstacle, preventing rescue teams from accessing the debris. Authorities had earlier acknowledged that a remaining lift beam standing at the site would need to be demolished to prevent further danger to nearby buildings and rescue personnel. Officials have also indicated that the unstable section of the collapsed building would undergo controlled demolition using heavy equipment, while occupants of neighbouring buildings would be temporarily evacuated to ensure the safety of rescue personnel.
Awodein also reported a foul stench emanating from the site, suggesting that decomposing bodies may still be beneath the rubble. The odour has deepened the anguish of families waiting for news of their loved ones and has heightened concerns that the death toll may rise.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had earlier vowed that rescue operations would continue until all bodies, whether dead or alive, are recovered from the rubble. However, the stalled operations have left families in agonising uncertainty.
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has blamed the developer for the collapse, alleging deviation from the approved building plan. Officials said the developer was granted approval for a three-storey building but allegedly added extra floors without authorisation. The Rivers State Government has distanced itself from the project, insisting that the building did not receive approval from the state.
The slow pace of the operation has drawn criticism from community leaders. The Chairman of the Amadiama Council of Chiefs, Oliver Olunwa, called for faster clearance at the site, warning that the delays were reducing the chances of rescuing anyone who might still be alive.
As the days pass, the hope of finding survivors fades, and the focus shifts to recovering the dead. For the families of the missing, the wait is unbearable. As one resident put it, "No family should have to endure this kind of agony."
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