Death toll in Lagos building collapse hits eight, 26 rescued

The collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of at least eight people, including an infant girl. Emergency responders successfully rescued 26 other individuals from the debris as search and rescue operations were underway.

Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the casualty figures. The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that the building, which housed numerous shops and business premises, collapsed earlier on Thursday. This prompted the immediate activation of the state's emergency response system.

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As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 26 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

A multi-agency rescue operation, involving LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and other stakeholders, commenced shortly after the incident was reported. Initially, two victims were rescued alive, and one deceased adult male was recovered. However, as operations progressed, the number of fatalities and rescued individuals increased.

Reports indicated that additional people, including shop owners, might have been trapped inside the structure. Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, was deployed to aid the rescue efforts. The agency urged the public to stay clear of the scene to allow emergency personnel unobstructed access for their life-saving operations.

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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.