A building demolition operation turned tragic in Lagos after one person died and two others were rescued alive when a two-storey structure collapsed in the Aboru area of Alimosho Local Government Area.
The incident occurred late Wednesday night at No. 42, Governors Road, Aboru, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Emergency Team Arrives After Distress Call
LASEMA said its Alpha Eagle Response Team was deployed from the Cappa, Oshodi Response Unit after receiving an emergency alert at about 12:56 a.m.
The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said responders reached the scene within the expected response period and confirmed that workers were trapped under the debris.
Collapse Happened During Manual Demolition
Preliminary investigations showed that the structure was being manually demolished when the collapse occurred.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency immediately activated Lagos’ emergency response plan and took control of coordination efforts involving multiple emergency organisations.
Two Workers Pulled Out Alive
Rescue teams successfully removed two adult males from beneath the collapsed building.
The victims received immediate medical attention from personnel of the Lagos State Ambulance Service before being taken to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.
However, another adult male was recovered dead from the rubble.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation Continues
The rescue operation involved several Lagos emergency agencies, including: LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS
Authorities cordoned off the area to protect residents and allow emergency personnel to safely continue recovery efforts.
Community leaders and security agencies also supported the operation.
Government Warns Against Unsafe Construction Practices
The LASEMA Permanent Secretary expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
He urged developers, contractors and residents to follow approved building regulations and use qualified professionals for construction and demolition activities.
Oke-Osanyintolu advised members of the public to report unsafe structures or suspicious construction activities through Lagos emergency numbers 767 and 112.
Lagos Targets Faster Emergency Response
He said the Lagos State Government remains committed to improving emergency management through: Better equipment, training and capacity building, expansion of response centres, decentralised emergency operations
According to him, the goal is to achieve a 10-minute emergency response time across Lagos State.
Further updates on the incident will be provided as rescue and recovery operations continue.
