7 Persons rescued, one still missing in Lagos building collapse: LSFRS, LASEMA

*The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reveals seven victims have been rescued alive with varying degrees of injury while one is still trapped as search and rescue operations is still ongoing at the ‘unapproved 7-floor building under construction collapse’

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Following a recent building collapse, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) has disclosed that seven persons were rescued Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the site of a seven-storey building collapse in Lagos.

Mrs. Magret Adeseye, Director of LSFRS, reportedly said one of the victims trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building remain missing.

Adeseye stated that the seven-storey building that collapsed on Banana Island is one out of the three highrise structures under construction in the area.

She said: “The two others are still standing at nine floors tall, most likely to undergo an integrity test soon.

“Seven rescued alive with varying degrees of injury while one is still trapped as search and rescue operations is still ongoing until ground zero is achieved.”

7-Floor collapsed building not approved -Ministry

Presenting an update on the building collapse, Mukaila Sanusi, Deputy Director of Public Affairs Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, in Lagos State, in a statement issued Wednesday said “an unapproved 7-floor building under construction collapsed,” Vanguard report said.

Sanusi noted: “Few who sustained injuries are being treated. There is no fatality.

“This unfortunate incident happened while casting was being done.”

Adult male’s whereabouts still unknown at building site, says LASEMA Chief

In remarks on the incident and situation report, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), said sequel to, “the collapsed building at 1st Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, the Agency activated its response plan and upon arrival at the scene of the incident, discovered that a seven-storey building under construction had collapsed.

“Inspection revealed that the building was damaged by a cement mixer truck, which drove into the building columns.”

Oke-Osanyintolu explained that “a head count carried out by the Chief Security Officer, CSO, Anthony Onah of the construction site, has an adult male unaccounted for. His whereabouts is unknown.

“Agency’s excavator, forklift are on site while crane is enroute. Updates to follow.”

Meanwhile, Sanusi has noted that Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, was immediately on site to assess the situation and flag off the investigation.

The Deputy Director of Public Affairs Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development further stated: “We ask members of the public to remain calm and expect further information from the ministry as we know more.”

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the incident, noting that several workers were trapped in the building as mobilisation for rescue operation commenced Wednesday.