Lagos building collapse death toll rises to nine

n n

The death toll from the three-storey building that collapsed in the Alakija area along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway has risen to nine following the conclusion of rescue operations.

n

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed in a statement on Friday that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble.

n

PUNCH Online had reported that the building collapsed at about 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, prompting an emergency response by rescue agencies.

n

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, had earlier said a coordinated rescue operation was underway to locate and extricate victims trapped beneath the debris.

n

By about 5 p.m. on Thursday, the agency confirmed that eight bodies had been recovered while 26 people were rescued alive.

n

Providing an update on Friday, LASEMA spokesperson Olawale Afolabi said rescue operations had been concluded, with one additional body recovered, bringing the death toll to nine.

n

He added that the remains of the deceased had been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and other necessary procedures.

n

He stated, “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.

n

“Nine fatalities were recovered, including four adults confirmed dead before responders’ arrival, and five additional victims, including a two-year-old baby girl.

n

“All deceased were respectfully bagged and handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and onward release to their families.”

n

Afolabi also disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency to immediately carry out structural integrity assessments on adjoining buildings.

n

He said, “The Lagos State Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

n

“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.

n

“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.”

n n