Tragedy struck on Thursday as a three-storey building collapsed at 2/4 Asesi Lane, Sasi Lane (SASI Palace), off Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island, leaving at least four people rescued while an unknown number are still believed to be under the rubble.
The incident happened around noon during a light rainfall, according to local witnesses who were present when the building suddenly gave way. The exact reason behind the collapse is still not known as of the time of reporting.
Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed the situation and said that emergency teams had arrived quickly and began rescue efforts. As of 9:00 p.m., the operations were still going on.
“Upon arrival at the scene, it was observed that a three-storey residential building had collapsed. The cause of the collapse is currently unknown,” he said.
“Four persons — two males and two females — have been rescued by first responders and taken to the hospital.”
He also noted that the mission to search for and rescue anyone still trapped beneath the debris had already started and would continue until all areas had been cleared.
Several emergency response teams were present at the scene, including LASEMA, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
