Tragedy struck in the early hours of Monday when a two-storey building collapsed on Cole Street, Oyingbo area of Lagos State, killing two people and leaving 25 others injured or displaced.
The incident, which occurred around 12:40 a.m., caught many residents asleep, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble.
Emergency response teams, led by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed that 26 victims—including 20 adult males, four adult females, and two boys—were rescued from the debris.
According to LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, one of the victims who was initially rescued alive later died at the hospital, raising the death toll to two.
“So far, 26 persons have been rescued. Five who sustained minor injuries have been treated and discharged, while one fatality was confirmed earlier. Sadly, another victim who was rescued alive later died in the hospital,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He added that the rescue operation was jointly conducted by NEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, LASBCA, LASAMBUS, Red Cross, Nigeria Police, and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), among others.
Preliminary investigations by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) revealed that the structure had shown visible signs of structural weakness before its collapse. Authorities have since cordoned off the site for safety assessments and further investigations.
Oke-Osanyintolu commended the collaboration between agencies and volunteers, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials. He assured that the state government remains committed to enforcing building regulations to prevent future disasters.
As of press time, emergency teams had cleared most of the debris and continued efforts to reach ground level.
