A 3-storey shopping complex collapsed in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday, leaving nine persons dead, 10 others rescued, and an unspecified number feared trapped beneath the rubble.
Located on Old Ojo Road near Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town, the building collapsed at about 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, prompting an emergency response from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other rescue agencies.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said a coordinated rescue operation was underway to locate and extricate victims trapped in the debris.
Oke-Osanyintolu: how to share“LASEMA has activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA.
“A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing, with responders working systematically to search for and extricate anyone trapped beneath the rubble.
“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company.
“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing.
“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active.
“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts.”