No fewer than eight persons, including a baby girl, have been confirmed dead, while 26 others have been rescued following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday.
The latest update was provided by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, who disclosed that search and rescue operations were still ongoing at the scene.
“The number of rescued victims has risen to 26, while eight fatalities, including a baby girl, have so far been recorded. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as emergency responders continue to comb through the debris,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The building collapsed along Old Ojo Road, by Alakija Bus Stop in Oriade Local Council Development Area, prompting the activation of a multi-agency emergency response involving LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders.
In an earlier update, Oke-Osanyintolu said emergency responders were mobilised immediately after distress calls were received, triggering a coordinated rescue operation at the scene.
He noted that heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, had been deployed to aid rescue efforts and gain access to trapped victims.
“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” he said in the initial situation report, adding that emergency teams were working tirelessly to locate other victims trapped beneath the rubble.
Oke-Osanyintolu further stated that there were indications that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business activities in the building, might still be trapped when rescue operations commenced.
“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 appealed to residents and onlookers to stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations.
“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,” the LASEMA boss added.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, with authorities saying further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
