three-storey shopping complex collapsed in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday, leaving one person dead, 10 others rescued, and an unspecified number feared trapped beneath the rubble.
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.
“LASEMA has activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA,” he said.
According to him, responders were conducting a systematic search of the site as concerns grew that more victims could still be trapped.
“A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing, with responders working systematically to search for and extricate anyone trapped beneath the rubble,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He disclosed that two persons had been rescued alive, while the body of one victim had been recovered.
Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” he said.
“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing.”
The LASEMA boss added that reports from the scene indicated that other persons, including shop owners who had resumed business activities, might still be trapped in the collapsed structure.
“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active,” he said.
He further revealed that heavy-duty equipment had been deployed to aid rescue efforts.
“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts,” Oke-Osanyintolu added.
He appealed to residents to stay away from the scene to enable emergency workers to carry out their duties unhindered.
Members of the public are advised to remain calm, avoid the incident scene, and allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations,” he said.