2 rescued in Abuja building collapse

The officials of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) have rescued two persons from a collapsed building in Abuja.

The FEMD Acting Director-General, Florence Wenegieme, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

Wenegieme said the incident occurred at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday, June 28.

Wenegieme noted that the building collapsed at Close 10, Drive 5, Second Gate of Prince and Princess Estate, Gudu District, Abuja.

She said FEMD activated the National Emergency Management Agency and the FCT Fire Service immediately it received a distress call about the building collapse.

The acting DG, who was accompanied by the Director, Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, explained that the collapsed building was a duplex under construction.

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She added that the construction workers ran out of the building as soon as they saw signs that the building was going to collapse.

Wenegieme stated: “However, two persons in the detached bungalow behind the building were trapped by the rubbles from the collapsed building.

“The trapped workers were rescued by the FEMD Search and Rescue Team, who cut through the window protectors and pulled them out.”

Wenegieme appealed to developers and individuals to adhere to building codes and carry out integrity tests on existing buildings before carrying out renovations.

She underscored the importance of engaging professionals as well as the provision of protective wears to ensure the safety of workers on site.

The FEMD boss also appealed to developers to provide insurance coverage for both the building and the workers on site.

The Star