The death toll from the three-storey building that collapsed in the Alakija area along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway has risen to nine following the conclusion of rescue operations.
- +Lagos building collapse death toll rises to nine
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed in a statement on Friday that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed in a statement on Friday that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble.
PUNCH Online had reported that the building collapsed at about 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, prompting an emergency response by rescue agencies.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, had earlier said a coordinated rescue operation was underway to locate and extricate victims trapped beneath the debris.
By about 5 p.m. on Thursday, the agency confirmed that eight bodies had been recovered while 26 people were rescued alive.
Providing an update on Friday, LASEMA spokesperson Olawale Afolabi said rescue operations had been concluded, with one additional body recovered, bringing the death toll to nine.
He added that the remains of the deceased had been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and other necessary procedures.
He stated, “Twenty-seven persons were rescued alive through the coordinated efforts of the LASEMA Response Team, sister agencies and members of the community. Victims received immediate pre-hospital care from LASAMBUS and were transferred to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
“Nine fatalities were recovered, including four adults confirmed dead before responders’ arrival, and five additional victims, including a two-year-old baby girl.
“All deceased were respectfully bagged and handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and onward release to their families.”
Afolabi also disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency to immediately carry out structural integrity assessments on adjoining buildings.
He said, “The Lagos State Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed LASBCA to commence immediate structural integrity assessment of adjoining buildings and enforce compliance with building codes in the area.
“LASEMA reaffirms its commitment to rapid response, professionalism and inter-agency collaboration. Citizens are urged to report distressed buildings to LASBCA and LASEMA toll-free lines 112 or 767 for prompt intervention.”
