The number of deaths from the three-storey building that fell in Alakija, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, has increased to nine. This comes after rescue operations ended.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) shared this news in a statement on Friday. They also reported that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble.
According to PUNCH Online, the building collapsed around 11:40 a.m. on Thursday. This led to a quick response from rescue teams.
Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said they were running a coordinated rescue operation. They aimed to find and free those trapped under the debris.
By about 5 p.m. on Thursday, LASEMA confirmed that they had found eight bodies. They also rescued 26 people alive.
On Friday, LASEMA spokesperson Olawale Afolabi gave an update. He said the rescue operations had finished, with one more body found. This raised the death toll to nine.
Afolabi said that the bodies had been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and other necessary steps.
He mentioned, “Twenty-seven persons were rescued alive through the coordinated efforts of the LASEMA Response Team, sister agencies and members of the community. Victims received immediate pre-hospital care from LASAMBUS and were transferred to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
“Nine fatalities were recovered, including four adults confirmed dead before responders’ arrival, and five additional victims, including a two-year-old baby girl.
“All deceased were respectfully bagged and handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and onward release to their families.”
Afolabi also mentioned that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the Lagos State Building Control Agency to quickly check the structural integrity of nearby buildings.
He said, “The Lagos State Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed LASBCA to commence immediate structural integrity assessment of adjoining buildings and enforce compliance with building codes in the area.
“LASEMA reaffirms its commitment to rapid response, professionalism and inter-agency collaboration. Citizens are urged to report distressed buildings to LASBCA and LASEMA toll-free lines 112 or 767 for prompt intervention.
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