By: Felix Ikpotor
Tragedy struck on Monday as a building collapsed and killed a middle aged man simply identified as Chibuzor at the Ikoku-Azikiwe axis in Diobu, Mile 3 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State where demolition is ongoing to pave way for the construction of the Nkpolu Oroworukwo flyover.
It was gathered that the man died when one of the pillars of a three storey building which was being demolished by the company handling the construction work collapsed and killed the deceased who was amongst other youths scavenging for rods and other materials from the site.
The scavengers converged on the area despite earlier warning by the state government.
An eyewitness said a large concrete from the first floor that was been demolished fell on Chibuzor .
The eyewitness said Chibuzor was grasping for breath when he was brought out and finally gave up the ghost.
The eyewitness called on the contractor to provide safety measures when demolishing subsequent buildings in the area.
When this publication visited the scene, corpse of the deceased was sighted at the centre of the road at School Road Street
The state government had in an earlier statement warned residents to stay away from the area.
The statement read: “Rivers State Ministry Of Works wishes to inform the general public that the ministry will commence demolition exercises along Oluobasanjo and Azikiwe roads on Wednesday 2nd June , 2021 from 9 am.
All properties marked and compensation paid are off limits to all and sundry and should therefore be avoided, especially for health and safety reasons.
The public is advised to heed all caution signs erected or instructions communicated by staff of the ministry or contractors on site”.
