Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
Tragedy struck in the early hours of Monday when a two-storey building collapsed at Coast Street, Oyingbo, in the Lagos Mainland area, leaving one person dead and 27 others rescued from the rubble.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it received a distress call at 12:11 a.m. and immediately mobilized emergency responders to the scene for rescue operations.
Speaking to newsmen, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the swift response was coordinated under the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ensuring that victims received prompt medical attention.
“Upon receiving the distress call, all emergency responders, including members of the Local Emergency Management Committee, moved swiftly to the site. Our operation was strategic and coordinated,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He confirmed that 21 victims had been evacuated and taken to various General Hospitals, where they were receiving treatment free of charge in line with the state’s emergency healthcare policy.
“In Lagos State, victims of emergencies are treated free of charge, and that policy is being fully implemented right now,” he added.
Rescue Operations in Progress
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, an additional five victims were treated at the scene by the LASEMA Ambulance Unit and subsequently discharged after receiving first aid. Unfortunately, one fatality was recorded, and the deceased’s body has been deposited at a government mortuary.
The LASEMA boss noted that rescue operations were ongoing with caution to prevent secondary incidents or additional casualties. He assured residents that the area had been cordoned off to allow emergency teams, including officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and fire service personnel, to continue operations safely.
Public Safety Measures
Authorities have urged Lagos residents to remain calm and cooperate with responders as investigations continue to determine the cause of the collapse.
Incidents of building collapse remain a recurring concern in Lagos, often attributed to structural defects, poor materials, and unauthorized modifications. The state government has repeatedly called on developers to adhere strictly to building regulations and obtain necessary approvals before construction.
As of press time, emergency teams were still working tirelessly at the scene to ensure that no one remained trapped under the debris.
