Two people were reportedly trapped in a detached bungalow at the Prince and Princess Estate in the Gudu District of the Federal Capital Territory as a duplex under construction collapsed.
According to The PUNCH, swift intervention by the Federal Emergency Management Agency resulted in the successful rescue of the trapped individuals.
In a statement on Saturday, FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the rescue operation, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the FCT.
Eyewitnesses reported that the building exhibited signs of structural distress before collapsing, leading workers to evacuate. Unfortunately, the two occupants of the nearby bungalow were caught under the debris.
FEMD received a distress call and immediately deployed its search and rescue team, working in collaboration with the NEMA FCT Fire Service.
“The team worked tirelessly to rescue the trapped occupants, eventually cutting through the window protectors to reach them,” Isa noted.
“We are grateful that we were able to rescue the two persons alive,” she added.
Isa appealed to developers and property owners to adhere to building codes and conduct integrity tests on existing structures before renovations.
“It is crucial to employ professionals and provide protective wear for on-site workers to ensure safety. We also urge developers to provide insurance coverage for both the building and workers on site,” she emphasized.
The incident underscores the importance of prioritizing safety in construction projects. The Director of the Department of Development Control visited the scene to evaluate the situation.
FEMD’s rapid response and effective rescue operations have been praised as a testament to their readiness and dedication to saving lives.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for developers and property owners to prioritize safety and comply with building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
