The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) responded swiftly to distress calls regarding the collapse of a residential building on Lagos Island, rescuing ten individuals trapped in the rubble.
The incident was reported via the Lagos State Toll-Free 767/112 Emergency numbers at 11:35 AM on Thursday, May 30th, 2024. LASEMA immediately activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans, dispatching Response Teams from Lekki, Alausa, Onipanu, and Cappa Bases to the scene with advanced heavy-duty equipment.
Upon arrival, the Response Teams discovered that a four-storey residential building had collapsed, trapping several residents. Investigation at the scene revealed that ongoing renovation work had weakened the structure, which had been previously marked by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) for evacuation. Residents reportedly resisted the evacuation directive, leading to the tragic collapse.
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Seven individuals were rescued alive and stabilized during the Search & Rescue operations, which were led by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu. The rescued victims, comprising seven adult males and three adult females, sustained various degrees of injuries and were promptly attended to by the LASEMA and LASAMBUS Pre-Hospital Care Team before being transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The recovery and deconstruction of the collapsed building to ground-zero using LASEMA’s sophisticated heavy-duty equipment, including excavators, is currently ongoing.
The operation continues to involve multiple emergency response agencies, including LRU Fire Unit, LASBCA, LNSC, LASPPPA, LASAMBUS crew, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Nigeria Police Force.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, emphasized that the situation is under control, with updates to follow as the operation progresses.
The incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety regulations and prompt response in preventing such tragedies.
