The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has concluded search, rescue, and recovery operations at the site of a collapsed two-storey building in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos, confirming that nine people lost their lives while 27 others were rescued alive.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at Alakija Bus Stop, Satellite Town, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving multiple government agencies and rescue teams, The News Edition reports.
Building Collapsed in Amuwo-Odofin Area
According to LASEMA, the building caved in at approximately 12:47 p.m. on Thursday, triggering an immediate emergency response.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale, said rescue teams were swiftly mobilized to the scene.
LASEMA deployed its Sharks Response Team from the Lekki Base and the Alpha Cobra Squad from Onipanu, both of which arrived at the location within 40 minutes of the incident.
27 Victims Rescued Alive
Emergency responders successfully rescued 27 individuals trapped beneath the rubble.
The victims received immediate pre-hospital treatment from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) before being transported to nearby hospitals for further medical care.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities or medical conditions of the rescued victims.
Nine Confirmed Dead, Including a Child
LASEMA disclosed that nine fatalities were recorded during the operation.
According to the agency, four victims were confirmed dead before rescue teams arrived at the scene, while five additional bodies were recovered from the debris during the search operation.
Among those confirmed dead was a two-year-old girl.
The remains of the deceased were handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and release to their families.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation
Several emergency and security agencies participated in the rescue exercise.
They included:
– Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA)
– Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service
– Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS)
– Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA)
– Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps
– Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
– Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA)
– Nigeria Police Force
– Nigerian Army
– Nigerian Red Cross Society
– China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)
LASEMA said a heavy-duty excavator provided by the agency worked alongside two excavators supplied by CCECC, enabling rescuers to safely access trapped victims and clear debris.
Rescue Operation Ends After Reaching Ground Zero
The agency stated that rescue efforts continued throughout the night and officially ended at about 4:00 a.m. on Friday after responders reached ground zero and completed a thorough search of the collapse site.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations reportedly supervised and coordinated the operation.
Sanwo-Olu Orders Structural Assessment of Nearby Buildings
Following the incident, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to immediately assess nearby structures to determine their safety and structural integrity.
The governor also ordered strict enforcement of building regulations to prevent future incidents and enhance public safety.
LASEMA Urges Residents to Report Distressed Buildings
LASEMA expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
The agency also urged residents to promptly report distressed or structurally compromised buildings to relevant authorities.
Residents can contact emergency services through the toll-free emergency numbers 112 and 767 for immediate assistance.