Death Toll Rises To Two, 25 Rescued in Lagos Building Collapse

The number of fatalities from the two-storey building that collapsed on Cole Street in the Oyingbo area of Lagos State has increased to two, while 25 others were rescued from the wreckage.

The incident, which occurred around 12:40 a.m., caught many residents asleep, leaving several people trapped under the debris.

Emergency officials said one of the victims who was rescued alive later died at the hospital, raising the death toll to two.

In a statement, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said 26 persons, including 20 adult males, four adult females, and two boys, were pulled out of the collapsed structure.

LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said rescue operations were immediately launched in collaboration with other emergency agencies to ensure that no victim was left under the rubble.

“So far, 26 persons have been rescued from the site. Five who sustained minor injuries have been treated and discharged, while one fatality was confirmed earlier. Sadly, another victim who was rescued alive later died in the hospital. The recovered bodies have been handed over to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the operation was jointly conducted with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Red Cross, Nigeria Police Force, and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

Preliminary findings by LASBCA officials indicated that the collapsed building had shown signs of structural weakness before the incident. 

The area has since been cordoned off for safety evaluation and further investigation into the cause of the collapse.

Oke-Osanyintolu commended the coordination among agencies and volunteers during the operation and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as clearing continues.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enforcement of building control regulations would be intensified to avert future tragedies.

As of the time of filing this report, rescue teams had cleared most of the debris and were working to reach the ground level to ensure that no victim remained trapped.