Baby girl, seven others die in Lagos building collapse

A three-storey shopping complex collapsed on Thursday in the Alakija area of Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, leaving a baby girl and seven others dead.

However, 26 people were said to have been rescued.

Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) swiftly mobilised to the scene and commenced search and rescue operations.

Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said two victims were rescued alive through the combined efforts of LASEMA officials, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Construction Company.

According to him, the body of an adult male was recovered from the rubble, while efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue other possible victims trapped beneath the debris.

“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing. There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped.

“Search and rescue operations remain active. Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts.”

The LASEMA boss urged residents and members of the public to remain calm and stay away from the scene to allow emergency workers unhindered access to carry out rescue operations.

He assured that the agency would continue to provide verified updates as efforts to account for all victims continue.