Many feared dead as building collapses in Abuja

A tragic incident unfolded in Abuja on Saturday morning when part of a two-storey residential building collapsed, leaving an unknown number of people trapped under the rubble.

The building, located next to the popular Cupid Hotel on Cupid Road (Sultan Dasuki Way) in Kubwa, has a complex history, having previously served as a hotel named Al-Hilal and later as a hospital before being converted into residential apartments.

Emergency services and security personnel quickly responded to the scene. However, rescue efforts faced initial delays due to the lack of necessary equipment, particularly cranes, which had not arrived at the site nearly two hours after the collapse was reported.

Despite these challenges, some progress was made in the rescue operation. Two individuals were successfully extracted from the debris and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Additionally, several residents managed to escape the building on their own.

One survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her harrowing experience. She recounted waking up around 7 a.m. and hearing ominous cracking sounds as she stepped outside, prompting her to flee the building immediately.