LASEMA Confirms 8 Dead, 26 Rescued in Lagos Building Collapse

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that eight persons, including a baby girl, lost their lives, while 26 others were rescued alive following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos State.

The agency disclosed the latest casualty figures in an operational update issued on Thursday, stating that the statistics were confirmed as of 4:20 p.m.

According to LASEMA, emergency responders remain at the scene, continuing intensive search and rescue efforts to locate and extricate any additional victims who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.

The building reportedly collapsed in the early hours of Thursday, prompting a swift response from multiple emergency agencies and rescue teams.

Earlier in the day, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, had announced that two victims were initially rescued alive through the collaborative efforts of LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the China Railway Construction Corporation.

He also confirmed the recovery of one adult male from the debris during the early phase of the operation and noted that reports indicated more people could still be trapped inside the collapsed structure.

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, many of those believed to be affected included shop owners and traders who had resumed business activities within the shopping complex before the incident occurred.

As rescue operations progressed, the number of survivors recovered increased significantly, with emergency personnel successfully rescuing 26 individuals from the wreckage.

LASEMA stated that rescue teams have continued a systematic excavation of the debris using both manual methods and heavy-duty equipment, including excavators, to ensure all trapped victims are located.

The agency said all relevant emergency and response stakeholders remain fully mobilised at the site to support the ongoing operation.

LASEMA also appealed to residents and members of the public to avoid the collapse scene to prevent interference with rescue activities and ensure the safety of emergency workers.

The agency assured Lagos residents that verified updates would continue to be provided as the operation progresses and more information becomes available.

Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the collapse, while investigations are expected to commence after rescue efforts have been concluded.

Emergency responders remain hopeful that additional survivors may still be found as the search continues.