Incident Report
A 25-year-old labourer has died following the collapse of a building foundation wall at an excavation site within the premises of Radio House, Area 8, Garki, Abuja. The incident, which occurred around 5:50pm on Monday, left two workers trapped under the rubble. One of them was rescued alive, while the other sustained fatal injuries.
Details of the Incident
Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, FEMD, Nkechi Isa, said the incident occurred while the workers were digging about seven feet underground as part of the building foundation. She explained that the prompt response of the Federal Fire Service and the FEMD Search and Rescue Team helped in pulling out the trapped victims.
Response and Investigation
According to Nkechi Isa, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD has commiserated with the family of the victim of a building foundation collapse at an excavation site within the Radio House, Area 8 Garki. The incident which occurred at about 5.50pm yesterday, claimed the life of a 25 year old man who was one of the labourers at the site.” Similarly, the Head of FEMD’s Search and Rescue Team, Mr. Monday Adie, noted that the wall caved in on the workers while they were excavating. “Two people were trapped in the rubble. While one was rescued alive, the other person was fatally injured,” he said.
Reaction and Warning
Reacting to the tragedy, the Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, commiserated with the family of the deceased and warned developers against ignoring basic safety standards on construction sites. He stressed that the involvement of professionals was critical in preventing such disasters, urging builders to shun quacks and adhere strictly to safety regulations. Mohammed also reminded residents to call the 112 emergency toll-free line whenever disaster strikes.
Conclusion
The collapse of the building foundation wall at the excavation site in Abuja resulted in the loss of a young life and highlights the importance of adhering to safety standards on construction sites. It is crucial for developers to prioritize the safety of workers and involve professionals in the construction process to prevent such tragedies. The prompt response of the emergency services saved one life, and it is essential for residents to be aware of the emergency services available to them.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the incident?
A: The incident occurred when the building foundation wall collapsed at an excavation site, trapping two workers under the rubble.
Q: How many people were affected by the incident?
A: Two workers were trapped, one was rescued alive, and the other sustained fatal injuries.
Q: What was the response of the emergency services?
A: The Federal Fire Service and the FEMD Search and Rescue Team responded promptly to the incident, pulling out the trapped victims.
Q: What warning was given by the Acting Director-General of FEMD?
A: The Acting Director-General warned developers against ignoring basic safety standards on construction sites and urged them to involve professionals in the construction process.
Q: What is the emergency toll-free line that residents can call in case of disaster?
A: Residents can call the 112 emergency toll-free line whenever disaster strikes.
