The death toll from Thursday’s collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos State has risen to eight, while emergency responders have rescued 26 people alive from the rubble.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the latest casualty figures as rescue operations continued at the site of the disaster on Old Ojo Road near Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town.
In a statement, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said emergency workers were still searching for possible survivors trapped beneath the debris.
“As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 26 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He added that search and rescue activities remained ongoing, with additional updates to be provided as the operation progresses.
The building reportedly collapsed at about 11:37 a.m., triggering a large-scale emergency response involving several government agencies and security organisations.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA immediately activated its emergency response mechanism following reports of the incident.
“LASEMA has activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA,” he said.
“A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing, with responders working systematically to search for and extricate anyone trapped beneath the rubble.”
Earlier in the operation, emergency responders successfully rescued two victims alive through a coordinated effort involving LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Construction Company.
The agency also confirmed the recovery of a deceased adult male during the initial phase of the rescue exercise.
“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing,” Oke-Osanyintolu had said.
Authorities noted that reports from the scene suggested more people, including shop owners and occupants who had resumed business activities, could still be trapped under the collapsed structure.
“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active,” he added.
To support the ongoing operation, heavy-duty machinery, including excavators, was deployed to clear debris and facilitate access to areas where survivors may be trapped.
“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts,” the LASEMA boss said.
He appealed to residents and bystanders to stay away from the scene to allow emergency personnel unrestricted access to conduct life-saving operations.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm, avoid the incident scene, and allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
Agencies participating in the rescue operation include LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities have not yet determined the cause of the building collapse, while concerns remain that more victims could still be trapped beneath the rubble.
