A two-storey mixed-use building collapsed late Saturday in the Oyingbo area of Lagos Island, leaving several shops buried under debris and rescue teams racing to save individuals still believed trapped. According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), 15 people — including four children — were pulled out alive and taken to nearby hospitals, but the exact number of those still trapped remains unclear. (Daily Trust)
Preliminary details indicate that the building, located at No. 54, Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, collapsed shortly after 12:20 a.m. when a section of the structure gave way without warning. LSFRS Controller-General Margaret Adeseye confirmed the distress call came in at 00:20, with response teams arriving nine minutes later. (Daily Trust)
Rescue Operation
Emergency crews deployed excavators and floodlights and worked through the night to clear rubble and extricate survivors. Among the rescued were seven adult males, four adult females and four children — all hospitalised with varying degrees of injuries. (Daily Trust)
Officials say heavy equipment was mobilised, and the site has been cordoned off while search and rescue efforts continue. Adeseye stated:
“We remain fully mobilised to ensure that all trapped individuals are accounted for.” (Daily Trust)
Cause & Risk Factors
Though the exact cause is under investigation, past incidents in Lagos point to concerns like substandard construction materials, weak regulatory oversight and unauthorized modifications. In a recent collapse in the same area, investigators cited “distressed structure” status. (Daily Trust)
