CITIZENS COMPASS— No fewer than 16 people were rescued on Thursday, from the rubble of a collapsed building in the Alakija area of Lagos State.
The collapse occurred in the morning at Old Ojo Road, by Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Satellite Town, Lagos.
Rescue operation was ongoing as at the time of filing this report.
According to Margaret Adeseye, Controller General, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, ten people were initially rescued at the scene while six additional people were rescued.
She also said that two bodies were recovered from the scene.
Also confirming the incident was the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to Adeseye: The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service received a distress call at 11:37 hours regarding a building collapse incident at Old Ojo Road, by Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Satellite Town, Lagos.
Emergency responders from the Ijegun-Egba Fire Station were immediately mobilized and arrived at the scene at 11:49 hours.
The incident involves the collapse of a storey building, an existing residential structure occupied by multiple residents at the time of the incident.
As of the time of this report, 10 persons have been rescued alive with varying degrees of injuries and have been handed over to medical personnel for necessary treatment.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as emergency responders continue efforts to locate, extricate, and evacuate any persons who may still be trapped beneath the debris.
Agencies currently participating in the coordinated rescue operation include Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigerian Red Cross Society.
Further updates will be provided as the rescue operation progresses.
She later said that six more people were rescued while two deaths were recorded as a rescue operation was ongoing.
In his updates, LASEMA Permanent Secretary said: 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.
Current update:
Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company.
One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing.
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.
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.
LASEMA will continue to provide verified updates as the operation progresses.
