Tragedy struck at Alimosho on Thursday after a building undergoing demolition collapsed, killing one person and leaving two injured.
The incident occurred at No. 42, Governors Road, Aboru, prompting an emergency response from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA.
Following a distress call, LASEMA activated its Alpha Eagle Response Team from the Cappa, Oshodi unit, which was dispatched to the scene at about 12:56 a.m.
Emergency responders arrived at the location shortly afterwards and immediately cordoned off the affected area to prevent further danger while search and rescue operations commenced.
Preliminary investigations by LASEMA indicated that the building collapsed while manual demolition work was being carried out. Several workers were reportedly trapped beneath the rubble following the partial collapse.
Rescue efforts involved personnel from LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS.
The coordinated operation led to the successful rescue of two adult males who were found alive beneath the debris.
The rescued victims received emergency first aid from LASAMBUS medical personnel at the scene before being evacuated to a nearby health facility for further medical attention.
However, the rescue operation also ended in tragedy, as responders recovered the body of another adult male from beneath the collapsed structure.
LASEMA confirmed the fatality, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased while wishing the injured victims a speedy recovery.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, used the incident to reiterate the importance of strict compliance with building and demolition regulations across Lagos State.
He warned developers and property owners against carrying out demolition or construction work without appropriate safety measures and the involvement of certified professionals.
Oke-Osanyintolu also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious or unsafe building activities to the relevant authorities before they result in loss of lives or property.
Residents can contact the Lagos emergency response system through the toll-free 767 and 112 emergency numbers.
Meanwhile, security agencies and community leaders are working alongside emergency management officials at the scene to ensure that responders have unhindered access and that the area remains safe as operations continue.
The Lagos State Government also reiterated its commitment to strengthening emergency response across the state through the decentralisation of response units and increased investment in emergency equipment.
According to the government, the strategy is aimed at sustaining a 10-minute emergency response time across Lagos and improving the state’s ability to respond swiftly to incidents involving collapsed buildings, fires, accidents and other emergencies.
The latest incident once again highlights the dangers associated with unregulated construction and demolition activities, particularly in densely populated communities, and the need for property owners and contractors to prioritise safety at every stage of building work.
