No fewer than eight people have lost their lives, while 26 others have been rescued following the collapse of a three-storey building in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the casualty figures in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to the agency, the building located on Old Ojo Road, near Alakija Bus Stop along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town, caved in at about 11:37 a.m., triggering an extensive rescue operation involving several emergency response agencies.
Providing an update on the situation, Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that as of 4:20 p.m., 26 people had been pulled out alive from the rubble, while eight deaths had been recorded, including that of a baby girl.
“As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 26 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl,” he stated.
He noted that rescue efforts were still ongoing and assured that further information would be released as operations continued.
Earlier, the LASEMA boss announced that the agency had activated its emergency response mechanism immediately after receiving reports of the collapse.
“LASEMA has activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA. A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing, with responders working systematically to search for and extricate anyone trapped beneath the rubble,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu revealed that two victims were initially rescued alive through the combined efforts of LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and CRCC Construction Company.
He also confirmed that the body of an adult male was recovered during the early phase of the operation.
“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing,” he added.
The permanent secretary further disclosed that reports from the scene suggested that more people, including shop owners and other occupants who had resumed business activities, might still be trapped under the debris.
“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active,” he said.
To aid the rescue mission, heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, was deployed to the site.
“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He appealed to residents and passers-by to stay away from the area and allow emergency personnel unhindered access to carry out rescue operations.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm, avoid the incident scene, and allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations,” he urged.
Agencies involved in the coordinated response include LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
Rescue operations were still in progress at the time of filing this report.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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