The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that eight people died and 25 others were rescued alive following the collapse of a three-storey building in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday, June 25.
The building, a shopping complex located on Old Ojo Road near Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town, came down at about 11:37 a.m., triggering an emergency response from multiple agencies.
Providing an update on the operation, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said rescue teams had recovered eight bodies, including that of a baby girl, while 25 people were successfully pulled from the rubble.
“As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 25 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He noted that search efforts were continuing as emergency workers combed through the debris for additional victims.
“Search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The agency had earlier announced the activation of its emergency response team shortly after receiving reports of the collapse.
“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,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
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According to him, rescue teams initially pulled two survivors from the site through a coordinated effort involving LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and CRCC Construction Company.
“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He also confirmed the recovery of a deceased adult male during the early stage of the operation.
The LASEMA boss disclosed that authorities feared more victims, including traders and shop owners who had resumed business activities, might still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active.
“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He appealed to residents to stay away from the area to allow rescue workers unrestricted access.
“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,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
Several agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, joined the rescue operation.
Efforts to locate any remaining victims were still ongoing at the time of filing this report.