World | Other World Stories

Fatal building collapse in Abuja

At least three people were killed and several more injured when a four-storey shopping centre under construction collapsed on Tuesday in the Nigerian capital Abuja, police said.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 09:56 July 30, 2008
  • Gulf News

Abuja: At least three people were killed and several more injured when a four-storey shopping centre under construction collapsed on Tuesday in the Nigerian capital Abuja, police said.

Using heavy diggers, emergency personnel were trying to rescue dozens of people still buried under the rubble.

Rescuers are reported to be talking by mobile phone to a construction worker trapped inside the wreckage, BBC has reported.

Police said at least 40 construction workers were believed to be working in the building when it collapsed.

Diran Onifade, spokesman for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministry, said he could only confirm one person killed.

The building site was due to become the largest shopping centre in Nigeria's capital.

Gulf News
News Editor's choice