One dead, 26 rescued in Lagos building collapse – LASEMA

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, said one person died while 26 others have been rescued after a two-storey building collapsed at Coast Street, Oyingbo, Lagos, in the early hours of Monday.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this on Monday afternoon in Lagos.

Oke-Osanyintolu who led the coordinated rescue operation, said the agency received a distress call at exactly 12:11 am and immediately mobilised rescue personnel to the site.

“Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we activated our emergency response protocol as soon as we got the call. All responders, including members of the Local Emergency Management Committee, moved swiftly to the scene,” he said.

He explained that 21 victims were evacuated to various General Hospitals, where they are receiving free medical care in line with the state’s emergency response policy.

“Five others were treated on the spot by our ambulance team and discharged after medical attention,” he added.

He confirmed that one fatality had been recorded, with the deceased’s body taken to the mortuary.

According to him, rescue operations are still ongoing, with a coordinated approach to prevent additional casualties.

“We have divided the site into four quadrants. In the inner areas, we are using light-duty equipment to prevent further harm, while in the outer sections, we have deployed heavy-duty machinery,” he said.

He stressed that the agency’s measured pace was deliberate, ensuring that trapped victims are not endangered by heavy equipment.

“Our operation is strategic. None of our machines broke down, we’re simply working cautiously, guided by intelligence from multiple sources,” he said, assuring that the state government remains fully in control of the situation.

“I want to assure Lagosians that we have the situation under control. We are on top of all challenges and working carefully to reach ground zero,” Oke-Osanyintolu added.

Meanwhile, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in Lagos, confirmed that both federal and state rescue teams are working in close collaboration to ensure an effective response.

“We have deployed all necessary personnel and resources. Rescue operations are ongoing in synergy with LASEMA and other stakeholders,” Olatunde stated.

He urged residents and families of victims to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders.

“The incident is unfortunate, and we understand the pain of families with loved ones trapped. But I assure everyone that all possible efforts are being made to rescue survivors, by God’s grace,” he said.

Olatunde also revealed that NEMA will provide relief materials and support for displaced victims once the rescue phase is concluded.