LASEMA confirms 8 dead, 26 rescued in Lagos building collapse

By Fabian Ekeruche

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said 26 people have so far been rescued alive, while eight persons, including a baby girl, have died following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos early Thursday.

LASEMA disclosed this in an update issued on Thursday, saying the figures were confirmed as of 4:20 p.m.

The agency added that search and rescue operations were still ongoing, with emergency responders continuing efforts to locate and extricate any additional victims trapped beneath the rubble.

In an earlier update, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said two victims were initially rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and the China Railway Construction Corporation.

Oke-Osanyintolu had also confirmed the recovery of one adult male from the debris and said reports indicated that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business activities in the complex, might still be trapped.

According to LASEMA, rescue teams have continued systematic excavation of the debris, supported by heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator.

The agency urged residents and onlookers to stay away from the scene to enable emergency personnel to carry out rescue operations unhindered.

It assured the public that verified updates would continue to be released as the operation progresses.

The cause of the collapse has yet to be officially determined.

(NAN)