A three-storey shopping complex collapsed on Thursday in the Alakija area of Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, leaving one person dead while emergency responders rescued two others alive from the rubble.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in an update issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, saying a multi-agency search and rescue operation had been activated immediately after the collapse.
According to LASEMA, rescue personnel from the agency, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Construction Company successfully extricated two victims alive from the debris.
The agency, however, disclosed that the body of an adult male was also recovered from the scene, while efforts were ongoing to reach other individuals believed to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business activities within the complex, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active,” the statement said.
LASEMA added that heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, had been deployed to support ongoing rescue efforts and facilitate access to affected areas of the building.
The agency urged residents and bystanders to remain calm and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu assured the public that LASEMA would continue to provide verified updates as rescue efforts progress and more information becomes available.
