LASEMA Rescues 27, Recovers Nine Bodies From Collapsed Lagos Building

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has concluded search, rescue and recovery operations at the site of the collapsed two-storey building near Alakija Bus Stop in Satellite Town, rescuing 27 people alive and recovering nine bodies from the rubble.

The building collapsed at about 12:47 p.m. on Thursday in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos State.

According to LASEMA, emergency teams were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving distress calls. The agency’s Sharks Response Team from the Lekki Base and the Alpha Cobra Squad from Onipanu arrived at the location within 40 minutes alongside other emergency responders.

Several agencies participated in the rescue operation, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS, LASTMA, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the FRSC, LASBCA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

LASEMA said all 27 rescued victims received emergency medical treatment from LASAMBUS personnel before being taken to nearby hospitals for further care.

The agency confirmed that nine people lost their lives in the incident. Four adults were found dead before rescue teams arrived, while five more victims, including a two-year-old girl, were later recovered from the debris.

The bodies have been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and release to their families.

LASEMA added that heavy-duty excavators from the agency and CCECC were used to remove debris, allowing rescuers to reach trapped victims safely. Rescue operations were completed at about 4:00 a.m. on Friday after emergency workers reached ground level.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary supervised the rescue exercise throughout the operation.

The agency also disclosed that Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency to carry out integrity tests on neighbouring buildings and ensure strict compliance with building regulations in the area.

LASEMA expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The agency also urged residents to report distressed buildings to LASBCA or through its emergency toll-free lines, 112and 767, to help prevent similar tragedies.