A four-bedroom apartment undergoing renovation in the Federal Capital Territory collapsed on Monday evening, injuring three individuals but miraculously claiming no lives.
The incident occurred opposite Stanbic IBTC Bank in Area 11, sending shockwaves through the community.
According to reports from eyewitnesses and authorities, the structure, an old four-storey building, collapsed around 8:40 pm, trapping several workers inside who were involved in its renovation.
The FCT Fire Service, led by Director Amiola Adebayo, swiftly responded to the scene, confirming that while the collapse resulted in injuries, all individuals present at the site were successfully evacuated.
“The three people injured have been taken to Hospital,” Adebayo confirmed in a situation report. “It’s an old four-story building undergoing restructuring and renovation. Other workers on the ground confirmed that no one else remained inside the rubble.”
The response efforts were coordinated with precision, involving multiple patrol teams from the FCT Police under the supervision of Commissioner CP Benneth C. Igweh.
Their immediate action included cordoning off the area to facilitate rescue operations and ensure the safety of bystanders.
FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh provided further details, stating, “In response to the distress call, CP Benneth C. Igweh promptly moved to the scene with multiple patrol teams as first responders. Three victims were successfully evacuated from the collapsed building and rushed to the hospital for medical care.”
Authorities have since engaged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Nigeria and the FCT Development Control to manage the aftermath of the incident effectively. Their personnel have taken charge of the site to oversee excavation efforts and ensure no further risks to public safety.
The incident has prompted concerns over building safety and the standards of renovation projects in the FCT. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway to determine whether structural integrity issues or construction oversight played a role in the incident.
As the excavation and investigation continue, local residents and authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols in construction and renovation activities across the territory.
The resilience shown by emergency responders and the swift actions taken to minimize casualties highlight the coordinated efforts of the FCT Fire Service, Police, and emergency management agencies in crisis situations.
Efforts are ongoing to secure the area and prevent any further incidents as the community recovers from the shock of Monday’s collapse.
The injured individuals are receiving medical treatment, and their conditions are reported to be stable. Updates from authorities are expected as the investigation progresses, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event in Abuja’s Area 11.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
