A deadly industrial accident has sparked anxiety and urgent rescue efforts after a structural failure at a rice processing facility left one worker dead and several others feared buried beneath rubble, raising renewed concerns over workplace safety standards.
Moreover, emergency responders have continued painstaking efforts to reach those trapped, as officials and onlookers anxiously await updates on the condition of the affected workers amid fears that survival chances may diminish with time.
The incident occurred at a rice mill facility in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, where a section of the structure reportedly gave way during operations on Tuesday, trapping workers who were on duty at the time.
Confirming the development, state emergency officials said one worker lost his life in the collapse, while five others remain trapped under the debris. Rescue teams drawn from the Kebbi State Fire Service and other relevant agencies were immediately deployed to the scene.
A senior government official, who spoke during an on-site assessment, said efforts were being intensified to rescue those still trapped. “All available resources have been mobilised to ensure that the victims are reached as quickly as possible, and safety remains our top priority,” the official said.
However, authorities have cautioned that the operation is delicate, as heavy machinery must be used carefully to avoid further structural damage that could endanger both victims and rescuers.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased worker and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse. Officials said findings from the probe would guide measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Furthermore, labour and safety advocates have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building integrity checks and occupational safety regulations across industrial facilities, warning that lapses could continue to claim lives if left unaddressed.