Tragedy struck in the Apapa area of Lagos on Thursday when a three-storey building collapsed, resulting in the death of one individual and the rescue of eight others. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident, which occurred at No. 28, Baale Alayabiagba Street in the Alayabiagba community.
According to Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, the agency received distress alerts around 11:09 a.m. and quickly activated the state’s emergency response plans. Upon arrival, responders found the building completely collapsed, trapping several workers beneath the rubble.
While eight adult males were successfully rescued and received first aid from the Lagos State Ambulance Service, the search for others continued. Tragically, one adult male was recovered dead from the debris. Witnesses reported that the building was undergoing manual demolition at the time of the collapse, raising concerns about safety practices during such operations.
Emergency responders from various agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Police, were present at the scene to assist with the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
As of the latest updates, the situation remains critical, with efforts focused on ensuring no one else is trapped beneath the rubble. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges related to building safety and enforcement in Lagos.
