Three men were rescued from a manhole at Guzape, Asokoro District, on Christmas Day, in an operation led by the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), FCT Fire Service, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
A statement issued on Thursday by the FEMD Head, Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, said the incident started when two labourers were engaged to clear debris clogging the manhole, which led to a central sewage system.
She said that a dangerous buildup of methane gas caused an explosion, and suffocated the workers inside the confined space.
Isa revealed that a volunteer who attempted to rescue the trapped men also became stuck.
The statement read, “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.”
The public relations officer said the coordinated rescue effort averted a potential tragedy, with all three individuals extracted and rushed to medical facilities.
“One of the men is currently receiving treatment at Wuse General Hospital, while the other two are at Asokoro District Hospital,” Isa said.
Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, the Acting Director General of FEMD, praised the emergency responders for their quick action and advised residents to refer maintenance of public infrastructure to relevant agencies and departments.
“Public safety must always come first. We urge residents to contact us via the toll-free emergency number, 112, for any infrastructure concerns or emergencies,” Mohammed said.