Death toll in Lagos building collapse rises to eight

The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey building in the Alakija area of Lagos State has increased to eight, while 26 people have been rescued alive from the rubble.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the latest figures on Thursday in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

The building, situated 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 agencies.

Giving an update on the ongoing operation, Oke-Osanyintolu said, “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 added, “Search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”

Earlier, the LASEMA chief announced that the agency had mobilised its emergency response team immediately after the incident.

“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 disclosed that emergency workers initially pulled two victims out alive from the collapsed structure.

“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” he said.

He noted that rescue teams also recovered the body of an adult male during the early phase of the operation.

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“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing.”

According to the permanent secretary, information from the scene suggested that more people, including traders and other occupants, 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.

He further stated that heavy equipment had been deployed to aid the rescue efforts.

“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

Appealing for public cooperation, he urged residents to keep away from the area to allow emergency personnel unhindered access to the site.

“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.”

Agencies participating in the operation 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.