By Miriam Humbe
The FCT Emergency Management Department, (FEMD) has advised residents to refer maintenance of public infrastructure to relevant agencies and departments.
The Ag Director General of FEMD, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed gave the advice after the rescue of three men trapped in a blocked manhole at Guzape in Asokoro District of the FCT on Christmas Day.
Nkechi Isa, FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed on Thursday, 26 December, 2024.
The three men were rescued by a combined team of FEMD, FCT Fire service and NEMA.
According to the FEMD Search and Rescue Team, two of the trapped men, who are labourers were engaged to clear debris that clogged the manhole leading to a central sewage system.
A build up of trapped methane gas caused an explosion, resulting in both men being suffocated inside the manhole.
A volunteer who attempted to rescue both men also became trapped.
One of the rescued men is receiving treatment at the Wuse General Hospital, while two others are at the Asokoro District Hospital.
Commending the emergency responders for averting what could have been a Christmas day tragedy, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
