‘One killed, children trapped’ as 3-storey building collapses in Abuja

A three-storey shopping complex under construction in the Jabi area of Abuja has collapsed killing, one person and leaving 12 others trapped.

The incident occurred around 1:30pm.

A witness said children and food hawkers were among those trapped in the building. Eight people were said to have been rescued, including the site engineer, whose leg was  reportedly broken.

At the time of filing this report, rescue operations were ongoing. Officials of federal capital territory (FCT) fire service and National Emergency Management Authority ( NEMA ) are currently at the scene.

Julius Berger PLC has deployed sophisticated equipment to the scene of the collapse.

A groundnut seller identified as Helen who escaped death said one of the workers sent her out to call a woman selling Fura, a local drink, but by the time she returned, the building had collapsed.

Helen said many people were inside the building, both at the ground floor and the last floor. She was still in a state of shock when she shared the experience with reporters.

All roads leading to the area have been closed, forcing motorists to use alternative routes.