Building Collapse: FEMD Rescues Two Persons Alive

By: Nkechi Isa

Two persons have been rescued alive from a collapsed building at Close 10, Drive 5, Second Gate at the Prince and Princess Estate in Gudu District, Abuja.

Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) received a distress call at about 6. 45pm
PM and activated the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),
FCT Fire Service and Department Of
Development Control.

The collapsed building was a duplex under construction.

According to the Ag Director-General of FEMD, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme all the workers were evacuated from the building as soon as they saw signs that the building was going to collapse.

However, two persons in the detached bungalow(BQ) behind the building became trapped by the rubble from the collapsed building, she added.

Her words: “The trapped occupants were rescued by FEMD search and rescue team, who cut through the window protectors.”

Wenegieme, thus, appealed to developers to observe the building codes at all times.

She also urged developers to always carry out integrity test on existing buildings before carrying out renovations.

The DG underscored the importance of employing professionals as well as the provision of protective wears for on-site workers to ensure safety on the site.

“I also wish to appeal to developers to provide insurance coverage for both the building and workers on site,” she said.