Building Collapse in Lagos Claims Eight Lives

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported that 26 people have been rescued alive. Sadly, eight people, including a baby girl, have died after a three-storey shopping complex collapsed in the Alakija area of Lagos.

LASEMA shared this information in an update released on Thursday at 4:20 p.m.

They also mentioned that search and rescue efforts are still ongoing. Emergency responders are working hard to find and rescue any more victims trapped under the rubble.

The building came down earlier on Thursday in Alakija, part of the Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area. This led to a quick response from multiple emergency agencies.

In an earlier update, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said two people were rescued alive thanks to the teamwork of LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and the China Railway Construction Corporation.

Mr Oke-Osanyintolu also confirmed that one adult male was recovered from the debris. Reports suggest that more people, including shop owners who had just started their day, might still be trapped inside.

LASEMA stated that rescue teams are carefully digging through the debris with the help of heavy machinery, including an excavator.

The agency advised residents and bystanders to keep their distance from the scene. This will allow emergency personnel to carry out their work without distractions.

They assured the public that more updates would be shared as the rescue operation continues.

As of now, the cause of the building's collapse has not been officially identified.