Collapsed Building
By Bolatito Omowale
A two-storey building collapsed in the early hours of Monday at No. 54 Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, Oyingbo, Lagos, leaving several people trapped beneath the rubble. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) received a distress call around 12:20 a.m. and promptly dispatched rescue teams to the scene. The rescue operation is ongoing, with emergency responders combing through the debris for any remaining victims feared trapped.
According to eyewitnesses, the building had been previously marked as distressed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). Occupants were warned to vacate the premises before the collapse. The cause of the collapse is still unknown, but an investigation is underway to determine the factors that led to the devastating incident.
So far, 15 people have been rescued, including seven adult males, four adult females, and four children, all with varying degrees of injury. The rescued individuals were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, and the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, for medical attention. The condition of the injured is not yet known, but reports indicate that they are receiving treatment.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with other emergency management agencies, remains on site and fully mobilized to ensure every trapped individual is safely recovered. Personnel from LASBCA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and other first responders have cordoned off the area and begun assessing adjoining structures to prevent further incidents.
The incident has once again raised concerns about building safety in Lagos, with many residents calling for stricter enforcement of building codes and regulations. The state government has promised to investigate the incident and take necessary actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
