Six Workers Rescued Alive After Kano Processing Mill Collapse

Six workers were rescued alive from the rubble of a partially collapsed processing mill in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, in a dramatic rescue operation carried out by the Federal Fire Service (FFS) on Monday evening. The incident, which occurred around 6:45 pm, saw a section of the commercial facility give way, trapping the workers beneath debris. Emergency responders from the Danzaki Fire Station arrived swiftly and began a coordinated rescue effort using grinding machines, shovels, and other specialised equipment to clear the rubble. After several hours of intense work, all six individuals were pulled out safely and provided immediate medical attention.

The successful operation was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by Al-Hassan Ahmad Kantin, Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Kano Command. Kantin praised the professionalism, speed, and technical expertise of the rescue team, noting that no lives were lost despite the dangerous conditions. He highlighted that the structural failure was confined to Milling Unit 1, preventing the collapse from spreading to other parts of the industrial complex. Preliminary investigations by structural safety experts pointed to excessive loading of heavy raw materials and stored inventory on the upper floors as the main cause of the collapse.

The Federal Fire Service also reported that the rescue operation helped save property valued at approximately N15 million. However, the collapse resulted in damage to parts of the building and destruction of materials estimated at N10 million. The Kano State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Kazeem Sholadoye Oyefola, commended the team for their swift response and effective execution, which prevented any fatalities. He also issued a public advisory, urging developers, factory owners, and landlords to conduct regular structural safety inspections, especially as the rainy season continues to pose additional risks to buildings.

The incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety standards in industrial and commercial construction. With increased rainfall and potential weakening of building foundations, authorities are calling for heightened vigilance across the state. The rescue operation in Gezawa serves as a reminder of the critical role emergency services play in safeguarding lives and property. As investigations continue, stakeholders are expected to review safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.