A three-story building with a penthouse under construction collapsed on Oriwu Street, Lekki, Lagos, leading to the deaths of two individuals, while 14 others were rescued from the debris.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported that six of the rescued victims were pulled out alive, though the cause of the collapse remains undetermined.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m., and rescue workers recovered the two bodies by 7:45 p.m.
Benjamin Hudenyin, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the incident, stating that officers were immediately deployed to the site.
He noted that the rescued victims were taken to the Lagos Island General Hospital for medical attention, while security personnel remained at the scene.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, explained that distress calls prompted the activation of emergency response teams from Lekki and Cappa bases.
LASEMA’s Shark and Eagle Response Teams arrived promptly, initiating search-and-rescue operations.
“Two adult males have been recovered from the rubble, while six others who sustained serious injuries received immediate medical attention before being transported to Marina General Hospital,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He also mentioned that heavy-duty excavation equipment was deployed as the rescue efforts continued.
Several emergency response agencies were involved in the operation, including the Lagos State Police, LASEMA Response Team, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.