In a heart-wrenching incident, a two-storey plaza situated on Lagos Street in Garki Village, Garki District of Abuja, the nation’s capital, has tragically collapsed. The calamity unfolded during the late hours of Wednesday night, coinciding with a torrential downpour.
Emergency officials on the scene reported that amidst the wreckage, 37 individuals have been successfully rescued, yet the toll has been distressing, with two lives lost due to fatal injuries. The nature of the collapse necessitated laborious and painstaking rescue operations throughout the night, as immediate access to heavy machinery like excavators was unavailable. Rescuers were compelled to engage in manual efforts, reflecting their dedication to saving lives.
Dr. Abbas Idriss, the Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), affirmed this tragic event. He confirmed that the rescue operation yielded 37 survivors, who have since been transferred to various medical facilities within Abuja for urgent care.
While expressing appreciation for the tireless commitment of all parties involved in the manual rescue mission, including the local community, Dr. Idriss also acknowledged the operational challenges due to the ongoing rain. Despite these hindrances, the rescue operation persists as they await the arrival of essential equipment to expedite their efforts.
This heartrending incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in construction and the urgency of quick and efficient emergency response protocols in the face of such unfortunate events. The nation mourns the loss of lives and hopes for the swift recovery of those affected by this tragedy.
