Lagos Building Collapse: Two Dead, 14 Rescued as Three-Storey Structure Crumbles

LAGOS – A tragic Lagos building collapse occurred on Wednesday, leaving two people dead and 14 others injured after a three-storey building with a penthouse under construction crumbled in Lekki, Lagos State. The incident, which took place on Oriwu Street, sparked emergency response efforts as rescue teams scrambled to save trapped victims from the rubble. However, conflicting reports emerged regarding the number of rescued victims, with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirming six rescued persons, while police officials put the figure at 14.

Lagos Building Collapse: How It Happened

According to eyewitness accounts, the structure suddenly caved in around 4:00 PM, trapping several construction workers inside. The immediate cause of the building collapse remains unknown, but authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Lagos State Police Command Spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the incident, stating, “Two persons died. A total of 14 persons have so far been rescued and taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment. Operatives of the Command remain on the ground to provide security for the ongoing rescue operation.”

Lagos Emergency Response to the Lekki Building Collapse

In response to distress calls made via the 767/112 Emergency Toll-Free Lines, LASEMA activated its emergency rescue operation. The agency immediately dispatched its Shark and Eagle Response Teams from the Lekki and Cappa Bases to the scene.

Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed the commencement of search and rescue operations. “Following distress calls received today, LASEMA’s response teams arrived at the site of the collapsed building in Lekki. Upon arrival, they discovered that a three-storey building under construction had collapsed. The immediate cause remains unknown.” “So far, two adult males have been extricated from the rubble of the collapsed building. Six seriously injured adult males were rescued and given immediate medical care by the LASEMA Response Unit’s Pre-Hospital Care team before being transported to Marina General Hospital for further treatment.”

Authorities React to Another Lagos Building Collapse

The Lagos building collapse in Lekki has once again raised concerns over construction safety and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s commercial capital. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and other regulatory bodies have been criticized for not enforcing stricter building standards. Emergency responders on the scene included the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, among others. LASEMA assured the public that investigations were underway to determine the exact cause of the building collapse and whether it violated construction regulations.

Calls for Stricter Building Regulations

The recurring issue of building collapses in Lagos has put pressure on the government to implement stricter safety regulations and enforce accountability for negligent developers. Experts have blamed weak enforcement of building codes, the use of substandard materials, and structural defects as major causes of frequent building collapses in Nigeria. The governor of the state Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has previously vowed to crack down on unapproved and poorly constructed buildings across the state. However, this latest tragedy in Lekki has reignited demands for more decisive action to prevent further loss of lives.

Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts

As rescue teams continue their operations at the collapsed building site, authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders. Heavy-duty excavators have been deployed to aid in the removal of debris, while structural engineers assess the stability of the surrounding buildings. “We are committed to saving as many lives as possible,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. “Our search and rescue operation is ongoing, and we urge the public to avoid spreading misinformation.”

Conclusion

The Lagos building collapse in Lekki has once again highlighted the urgent need for stringent oversight in Nigeria’s construction sector. With two lives lost and multiple injuries reported, the tragedy underscores the devastating impact of structural failures and lax regulatory enforcement. As investigations continue, stakeholders are calling for increased accountability, stricter building codes, and a renewed commitment to safety to prevent future disasters.

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