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Eight people have been confirmed dead after a three-storey building collapsed in Alakija, Lagos, while 26 others were rescued.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the latest casualty figures on Thursday in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, the building, located on Old Ojo Road by Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town, collapsed at about 11:37 am, causing a large-scale emergency response involving multiple agencies.
He said, “As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 26 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl.”
“Search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” he added.
The LASEMA boss had earlier announced the activation of the agency’s emergency response following the incident.
“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,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that two victims were initially rescued alive through the efforts of emergency responders.
“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” he said.
He stated that a deceased adult male was also recovered during the early stages of the operation.
“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing,” he said.
LASEMA’s permanent secretary further stated that reports from the scene showed that additional persons, including shop owners and occupants, could still be trapped beneath the debris.
“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 also revealed that heavy-duty equipment had been deployed to support rescue efforts.
“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
Appealing to members of the public to stay away from the area, he said, “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 agencies participating in the coordinated rescue operation include LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
However, rescue operations are still ongoing.
