A 55-year-old man was rescued alive on Saturday after falling into an underground drainage channel along Ikorodu Road, near Idiroko Bus Stop, inward Maryland, Lagos.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said it received a distress call around 12:24 p.m., prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters from the Ilupeju Fire Station to the scene.
Confirming the incident, the Director of the Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said the rescue team arrived at about 12:45 p.m. and commenced a coordinated operation using specialized confined-space rescue equipment.
“Upon arrival, our personnel discovered that a middle-aged man had accidentally fallen into an underground manhole.
The team immediately began a delicate rescue operation using appropriate safety procedures to ensure his safe recovery,” Adeseye said.
After several hours of careful effort, the victim was brought out alive and handed over to officers from the Anthony Police Division for further assistance.
The rescue operation, which drew a crowd of onlookers, was concluded by 3:41 p.m., and the area was secured to prevent further incidents.
Adeseye commended the firefighters for their professionalism and prompt response, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
She also urged residents to exercise caution around open or damaged drainage systems and to report such hazards promptly to relevant authorities to prevent future accidents.