A building collapse in Lagos has claimed two lives, while 14 others were pulled from the debris alive. The three-story building, which was still under construction and had a penthouse, came crashing down on Oriwu Street in the Lekki area at around 4 p.m. on Monday.
The victims were laborers working at the site when the structure suddenly gave way. Rescue efforts began immediately, with emergency responders rushing to the scene. While initial reports suggested that 14 people were rescued, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) later noted that six individuals were found alive.
Benjamin Hudenyin, spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the incident. He stated, “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.”
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, explained that the agency received distress calls through the emergency helplines and immediately activated its response teams. Upon arrival, the teams discovered the collapsed structure and began search-and-rescue operations. He further noted that six seriously injured workers received immediate medical attention before being transported to Marina General Hospital.
“The immediate cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained,” he said, adding that the agency deployed heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, to aid in the rescue efforts.
Several emergency response teams were at the scene, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Rapid Response Squad, and Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
