Five die as two buildings collapse in Kano

Tragedy struck Kano State as two separate building collapses claimed the lives of five individuals and left ten others rescued. The incidents occurred on Saturday in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area, and Kurna, Fagge Local Government Area, prompting swift responses from the Kano State Fire Service.

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Firefighters from the state fire service headquarters were immediately deployed to the scene and rescued two workers alive, identified as 17-year-old Muhammad Hassan and 19-year-old Khalid Abubakar. Four other workers were rescued unconscious but were later confirmed dead. They were identified as Sunusi Surajo, 18; Bashir Ibrahim, 20; Ibrahim Ibrahim, 25; and Abubakar, 30.

The first collapse involved an incomplete building under construction in Gaida. Firefighters rescued two workers alive, but four others were found unconscious and later confirmed dead. The victims, aged 18 to 30, were evacuated to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. The second incident occurred at an Islamiyya school, Khadija Idris Bala, in Kurna, where eight out of nine affected students were rescued. Sadly, the ninth victim, a 14-year-old student, was rescued unconscious and later confirmed deceased.

The causes of both collapses are currently under investigation. The Kano State Fire Service has issued a strong advisory to building owners, contractors, and construction workers, emphasizing the critical importance of observing safety precautions and complying with approved building standards, particularly during the current rainy season. The agency stressed the need for the public to take building safety seriously to prevent avoidable loss of life.

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Firefighters from the Kurna Fire Station rescued eight of the nine students affected by the collapse. The victims were aged between 12 and 15. The ninth victim, 14-year-old Khadija Muhammad, was rescued unconscious but was later confirmed dead.

Residents have also been advised to promptly report any building-related emergencies to the fire service to ensure rapid response and minimize casualties. The incidents underscore the persistent dangers associated with construction and aging structures, especially in densely populated urban areas.

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We urge members of the public to take building safety seriously and ensure that appropriate standards are followed to prevent avoidable loss of lives.