A three-story building suddenly collapsed in Lagos’ Ojodu-Berger area on Saturday morning, killing five people and trapping others.
Emergency crews continue searching through rubble for potential survivors as hopes fade.
According to NEMA officials, rescue teams have pulled fifteen people alive from the wreckage so far.
The victims include six women and nine men, while recovered bodies comprise three women and two men.
Meanwhile, NEMA’s Southwest coordinator confirmed ongoing operations with heavy equipment deployed overnight.
“We’ve rescued twenty victims total, with five fatalities unfortunately confirmed,” stated Ibrahim Farinloye during Sunday’s predawn operations.
Eyewitnesses reported the mixed-use building housed a restaurant and was undergoing construction when it crumbled.
Workers had just arrived when the structure gave way without warning, trapping occupants instantly.
Furthermore, LASEMA officials assured the public of maximum response efforts despite challenges.
“Our teams are collaborating with local volunteers to ensure comprehensive rescue operations,” said Permanent Secretary Oke-Osanyitolu during the chaotic scene.
Authorities temporarily paused search efforts Sunday morning following unconfirmed reports of another missing person.
Rescue workers subsequently resumed combing through debris with heightened urgency as daylight improved visibility.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has taken personal charge of coordinating disaster response while mourning the tragic loss.
The state government promises full investigation into construction standards after completing rescue missions.
Additionally, emergency services urge residents to report unstable structures immediately to prevent future tragedies.
This incident marks Lagos’ third major building collapse this year, raising concerns about enforcement of safety regulations.
Structural engineers will examine the site once rescue operations conclude to determine the collapse’s root cause.
Preliminary observations suggest possible foundation failures or unauthorized structural modifications during renovations.
The disaster has left the Ojodu-Berger community in shock as families identify victims at nearby hospitals.
Psychosocial support teams are mobilizing to assist traumatized survivors and grieving relatives.
Moreover, construction industry experts call for stricter oversight of building projects across Lagos.
They emphasize that proper licensing and routine inspections could prevent such preventable tragedies.
As night falls on the second day of operations, emergency crews maintain floodlights to continue searching.
Their determination persists despite diminishing chances of finding additional survivors in the unstable rubble.
This tragedy highlights Lagos’ urgent need for improved urban planning and construction monitoring systems.
Officials face growing pressure to demonstrate accountability and implement concrete safety reforms.
The state government will likely face tough questions about permitting processes as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, survivors recount miraculous escapes while mourning neighbors who didn’t emerge from the wreckage.
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