… Government demolishes distressed buildings
CITIZENS COMPASS— The death toll from the scene of collapsed building in Alakija area of Lagos State rose to nine on Friday while the total number of those rescued have risen to 27.
Citizens Compass reported that the collapse occurred yesterday, in Alakija, Old Ojo Road, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway where 16 people were rescued and two recovered dead.
However, the death toll rose to 27 while the recovered bodies rose to nine.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed this in its updates.
The Controller General of the agency, Margaret Adeseye, in the updates said: The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has concluded search and rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building located at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
A total of 27 persons were rescued alive, while nine victims were recovered dead during the operation.
The incident ground has now reached ground zero, marking the conclusion of active search and rescue activities.
Following a structural integrity assessment, three adjoining buildings have been marked for demolition by the Lagos State Government due to their severely dilapidated condition and the potential risk they pose to lives and property.
The Controller General of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye therefore, urges residents and property owners to strictly comply with all government safety directives, especially evacuation notices and demolition orders. The Service also reiterates the importance of regular structural integrity assessments and proper building maintenance to prevent avoidable tragedies.
In his updates, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyinyolu, said, “As of this update, search and rescue operations at the collapsed building in Alakija have been concluded. A total of 27 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities, including a baby girl, have been recorded.
Following a joint structural assessment by LASEMA, LASBCA and other responding agencies, a number of adjoining distressed buildings have been identified as posing a significant risk to public safety.
To eliminate the risk of a secondary collapse, a controlled demolition of the affected structures has been scheduled for 4:00 p.m. today under the supervision of the relevant agencies.
