Emergency responders averted what could have been a Christmas tragedy, when they rescued three men from a blocked manhole at the Guzape area of the nation?s capital, Abuja, on Christmas day.

The rescue team drawn from the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), FCT Fire Service and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), brought out the labourers, who were engaged in clearing debris that clogged the manhole, leading to a central sewage system.

The Acting Director General of FEMD, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, advised residents to refer maintenance of public infrastructure to relevant agencies and departments.

The department in a statement on Thursday explained that two of the trapped men, who are labourers were engaged in the cleanup when a build-up of trapped methane gas caused an explosion, resulting in both men being suffocated inside the manhole.

According to the department, ?A volunteer who attempted to rescue both men also became trapped.

?One of the rescued men is receiving treatment at the Wuse General Hospital, while two others are at the Asokoro District Hospital.?

While commending the emergency responders for their intervention, Engr. Mohammed appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of an emergency. (Nigerian Tribune)