One dead, 21 rescued as two-storey building collapses in Lagos ..several still trapped, search ongoing

One dead, 21 rescued as two-storey building collapses in Lagos 

..several still trapped, search ongoing

By Benedicta Aboh

A two-storey building has collapsed at No. 54 Cole Street, Oyingbo, Lagos, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble.

As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders had rescued 21 persons, including four children, while one body was recovered from the debris. Several others are still feared trapped.

Residents described the incident as “a disaster waiting to happen,” noting that the building had long shown cracks and visible structural defects before it finally gave way. It was also gathered that the structure had previously been marked as distressed by the authorities.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said it received a distress call at 12:20 a.m., with first responders from the Sari-Iganmu Fire Station arriving at the scene nine minutes later to begin rescue operations.

The Controller General of the agency, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said the collapsed building had exhibited signs of structural distress before the tragedy occurred.

“So far, 21 persons including children have been rescued with varying degrees of injuries. They have been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, and the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, for urgent medical attention,” she stated.

Adeseye added that rescue operations were still ongoing under the supervision of multiple emergency agencies, including personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, who worked through the night to ensure that no one remained trapped in the debris.

The area has since been cordoned off to prevent further incidents, while officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) are expected to conduct an integrity assessment of nearby structures.

Adeseye assured the public that the rescue effort would continue until every occupant of the collapsed building is accounted for.