Construction site collapse

By Uzair Adam

At least five people have been confirmed dead and 11 others are receiving treatment after a three-storey building under construction collapsed in the Gudu area of Abuja in the early hours of Saturday.

Emergency officials said a total of 16 persons were rescued from the rubble, while search and rescue operations were still ongoing as responders continued to comb through the debris for possible survivors.

The structure, located behind Gudu Market near Gaduwa Estate in Durumi 3, reportedly gave way around 3:30am while workers, mostly labourers, were still on site.

The sudden collapse left several people trapped beneath the wreckage.

Victims who survived the incident were rushed to different medical facilities, including the Federal Medical Centre, Asokoro District Hospital, and Maitama District Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Authorities confirmed that five others were brought out dead.

Multiple emergency response agencies were deployed to the scene, including the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal and FCT Fire Services, as well as the FCT Police Command.

They were supported by medical personnel and volunteers, while anxious residents gathered near the cordoned-off area.

The FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who visited the site, said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had directed that all injured persons be treated free of charge.

Confirming the development, the Head of Public Affairs at FEMD, Nkechi Isa, said rescue efforts were still underway.

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing as teams work tirelessly to ensure that anyone still trapped is reached in time,” she said.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the collapse as investigations are expected to commence after the rescue operation is concluded.