The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway has risen to eight, including an infant girl, as emergency responders continue search and rescue operations at the scene.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed on Thursday that 26 people had been rescued alive from the rubble, while efforts were still ongoing to locate anyone who might remain trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
The building, which housed several shops and business premises, collapsed earlier on Thursday, throwing the busy commercial area into panic and drawing a large crowd of residents and traders.
Shortly after the incident was reported, the Lagos State Government activated its emergency response system, deploying several agencies to the site to begin rescue operations.
Providing an update on the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency immediately mobilised a multi-agency emergency team to the scene.
“LASEMA has activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA,” he said.
“A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing, with responders working systematically to search for and extricate anyone trapped beneath the rubble.”
He explained that personnel from LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Ambulance Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigerian Red Cross, the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CRCC), and other emergency organisations worked together to save lives.
According to him, rescue teams began removing victims from the debris almost immediately after arriving at the scene.
In an earlier situation report, Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that two victims were rescued alive, while the body of an adult male was recovered from the collapsed building.
“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” he stated.
“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing.”
As rescue operations continued, emergency workers discovered more victims trapped beneath the rubble.
Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, was deployed to clear large concrete slabs and create access for rescue workers searching for survivors.
Officials said reports from eyewitnesses suggested that several shop owners and customers were inside the building when it suddenly collapsed.
Many traders had resumed normal business activities before the incident occurred, raising fears that more people could still be trapped beneath the debris.
Giving a fresh update later in the afternoon, the LASEMA boss said the casualty figure had increased significantly.
“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,” he said.
“Search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
The agency appealed to residents to remain calm and stay away from the disaster site to allow emergency workers unrestricted access.
Officials warned that crowds gathering around the scene could slow down rescue efforts and increase the risk of additional accidents.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had earlier released a separate update showing that rescue operations were progressing steadily.
The agency’s Director, Margaret Adeseye, had initially confirmed that 16 people had been rescued alive, while two bodies had been recovered before later updates from LASEMA revealed higher casualty figures.
She said emergency workers remained committed to ensuring that every victim was accounted for.
“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service hereby provides an update on the ongoing rescue operation at the site of the collapsed building located at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, along the Badagry Expressway,” she said.
“Rescue efforts are still ongoing, and six additional victims have been successfully rescued from the debris, bringing the number to 16. Regrettably, two people have been recovered dead.
“Emergency responders remain on the scene, working tirelessly to ensure that all affected persons are accounted for and to safeguard the area.”
The latest incident has once again drawn attention to the recurring problem of building collapses in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Over the years, Lagos has recorded several building collapses involving residential, commercial and construction sites. Many of the incidents have been linked to structural defects, poor construction practices, the use of substandard building materials, weak foundations, overloading of structures and failure to comply with approved building plans.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly intensified enforcement against illegal developments through the Lagos State Building Control Agency. Authorities have also demolished distressed structures and sealed buildings considered unsafe in an effort to prevent future disasters.
Despite these measures, building collapses continue to occur, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Residents have also urged government agencies to improve routine inspections and ensure that only qualified professionals handle the design and construction of buildings.
Thursday’s collapse caused heavy traffic along sections of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as security personnel cordoned off the area to allow rescue operations to continue without interruption.
Family members, traders and residents gathered near the scene, anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones as rescue workers continued searching through the rubble.
Medical teams remained on standby to provide emergency treatment to rescued victims before transferring those with serious injuries to nearby hospitals.
As night approached, emergency responders vowed to continue the search until every victim had been located.
Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the collapse, but officials said a full investigation would be carried out after rescue operations are completed.
The Lagos State Government is expected to determine whether the building complied with approved construction standards and identify any violations that may have contributed to the disaster.