KANO — Tragedy struck the Goron Dutse community in Kano metropolis as a midnight building collapse claimed the lives of two young women from the same household, including a 20-year-old bride-to-be.
The deceased bride-to-be was reportedly making preparations for her forthcoming wedding before the tragedy struck.
The incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. behind the WRECA general area of Goron Dutse, leaving the victims trapped under the rubble after the residential building suddenly collapsed.
Residents said the deafening sound of the collapse jolted them from sleep, prompting neighbours to rush to the scene in a desperate attempt to rescue the women.
Eyewitnesses said residents worked frantically to clear the debris, using their bare hands and simple tools in an effort to reach the trapped victims.
However, their rescue efforts ended in grief after both women were eventually brought out lifeless.
One of the victims was described by neighbours as gentle and cheerful, with residents saying her impending wedding had made the incident particularly painful for her family, friends and the community.
A resident who participated in the rescue operation said: “We did everything we could to rescue them, but it was too late. The entire neighbourhood is in shock.”
By Thursday morning, mourners had gathered at the victims’ family home as tears and prayers replaced what was expected to be a period of celebration and preparations for marriage.
The tragedy has thrown the community into mourning, with residents left to grapple with the sudden loss of the two young women.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Fire Service, police and other relevant authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, including the cause of the building collapse.
