Two dead as three-storey building collapses in Abuja

A three-storey building under construction in Jabi District of Abuja yesterday collapsed around 1.30p.m., killing two persons, while three sustained serious injury and were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

An eyewitness told The Guardian that some workers were inside working on the fourth floor when the building caved in, but he could not give the figure.The Minister of the Federal capital territory (FCT), Musa Bello, who spoke at the site, also could not ascertain the exact number of casualties, since the evacuation by Julius Berger Plc was still ongoing.

He maintained that hospitals were on standby to receive those rescued from the debris, while investigation would be carried out to know the owners.While sympathising with those who lost their loved ones, the minister called on the security operatives to apprehend the contractor handling the project.

A resident of the area, who identified himself simply as Magnus, told The Guardian that the building had been there for over 15 years, adding that the collapsed structure was one of the oldest in Jabi District.

At press time, there were over 15 workers in the building, six persons were said to have been rescued, with one dead, while members of the Federal Road Safety (FRSC), Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Police, Fire Service and Federal Emergency Management Agency were on hand, while the area had been condoned off.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, who later visited the site, expressed satisfaction with the effort and prompt response of emergency, rescue operators and security agencies at the scene.

Osinbajo, who visited the scene at about 6.47p.m., said all hands were on deck to rescue and save the lives of those who may have been trapped in the building.He said that all the agencies concerned were present, including the necessary equipment to rescue the trapped persons, adding: “I am quite satisfied with the level of activities to ensure that this very unfortunate incident is not made worse by loss of lives.“So, the whole process of ensuring that those who may be trapped under this collapsed building, the whole process of ensuring that they are rescued is well under way.”