LAGOS— Tragedy struck on Oriwu Street in the Lekki area of Lagos yesterday when a three-storey building with a penthouse, still under construction, collapsed, leaving two persons dead and 14 others rescued from the rubble.
The incident, which occurred around 4 pm, triggered an immediate response from emergency services, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), police, and other rescue operators.
The victims, primarily labourers working at the construction site located at House 29, Oriwu Street, were caught unawares as the structure caved in.
While the exact cause of the collapse remains undetermined, rescue efforts commenced promptly, with the first bodies being recovered at approximately 7:45 pm.
Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hudenyin, confirmed the casualties, stating, “Two persons died. A total of 14 persons have so far been rescued and taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment. Operatives of the Command remain on ground to provide security for the ongoing rescue operation.”
However, the figures reported by LASEMA differed slightly. According to Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, six individuals were successfully rescued.
He detailed the swift activation of the State’s Emergency Response Plan following distress calls received via the 767/112 Emergency Toll-Free Lines.
“Upon arrival at the incident scene, LASEMA’s Shark and Eagle Response Teams discovered that a three-storey building under construction had collapsed at the aforementioned location. The immediate cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained,” Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He further explained that two adult males were recovered lifeless from the debris, while six severely injured adult males were provided immediate medical care by the LASEMA Response Unit’s Pre-Hospital Care Team. They were later transported to Marina General Hospital for further treatment.
In a coordinated effort, rescue teams comprising the LASEMA Response Team, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other stakeholders deployed heavy-duty equipment, including excavators, to aid in the operation.
As of late yesterday, search and rescue operations were still ongoing, with emergency responders combing through the wreckage to ensure no one was left trapped.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency is expected to launch a full investigation to determine the cause of the collapse, which has once again raised concerns about building standards and regulatory compliance in the state.
This incident follows a series of building collapses in Lagos, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement of construction standards and penalties for violations. Residents in the area have expressed shock and called for immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
Meanwhile, authorities have advised the public to avoid the scene to facilitate the smooth conduct of rescue operations. The Lagos State Government is anticipated to release an official statement once the situation is fully assessed.
