Seven die in another Lagos building collapse

By FOLA RAHEEM

Seven people were killed on Sunday in a three-storey building that collapsed in the Obalende area of Lagos.

About 10 others who sustained serious injuries in the collapsed building said to be under construction were promptly taken to the hospital.

As of 7pm on Sunday, rescue workers, including personnel of the Nigeria Police, National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, were still battling with the rubble for the evacuation of the victims.

Lagos police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that seven victims died and several others injured.

He said that the building was under construction.

The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, also confirmed the incident, adding that the rescued victims were taken to hospital for treatment.

He said, “Upon arrival at the incident scene, a three-storey building under construction was discovered to have collapsed. The cause of the collapse has yet to be ascertained, but efforts are presently ongoing by the LASEMA response team and other responders to salvage the situation.

“As of 5.40pm, a total of eight men have been extricated alive by the LASEMA response team and other stakeholders, and have been attended to and quickly transferred to the Lagos Island General Hospital by LASEMA paramedics for further medical attention.

“Four people, made up of three males and one female, have so far been recovered dead and handed over to the SEHMU at the incident scene. A recovery operation is still ongoing.”

Acting Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office, National Emergency Management Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, came up with an update at 7.42pm, stating that six people found dead had been removed from the rubble and 10 other injured persons rescued.