Three persons were on Monday evening rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed four storey building located at 23 Nkwere Street, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Area 11, Garki in the FCT.
TheHintsNews reports that the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) on Monday at about 8.20 pm received a distress call on the 112 emergency toll free number on the collapse of the building which was undergoing renovations.
FEMD Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa in a statement issued Tuesday said that the victims have been taken to the hospital, adding that they were treated and are out of the hospital.
Isa noted: “On arrival at the incident scene, FEMD immediately activated the Department of Development Control, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Julius Berger and NEMA.
“The Garki Divisional Police Command was already on ground. FEMD also activated the CGC and Zeberced construction companies.”
Isa added that the Ag Director General of FEMD, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme who was at the incident scene informed that other construction workers were outside the building when it collapsed, adding that no life was lost to the incident.
Wenegieme appealed to developers and individuals to observe building codes at all times.
She also urged developers to always carry out integrity tests on existing buildings before carrying out renovations.
Wenegieme stressed that developers should ensure they use standard building materials.
The Ag DG underscored the importance of employing professionals as well as the provision of protective wears for on site workers to ensure safety while on the site.
She also appealed to developers to provide insurance coverage for both the building and workers on site.
The Director, Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima , who was also at the incident scene directed the demolition of the remaining existing building and sealing up of the premises.
