One Dead, Two Rescued As Three-Storey Shopping Complex Collapses In Lagos

One person has been confirmed dead while two others have been rescued after a three-storey shopping complex collapsed in the Alakija area of Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning, prompting an immediate emergency response by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), which led a multi-agency rescue operation at the scene.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said the rescue operation involved personnel from LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the China Railway Construction Corporation Construction Company.

LASEMA confirmed that an adult male was found dead beneath the rubble, while two other persons were successfully rescued during the operation.

The agency said there were indications that more people, including shop owners who had returned to business activities in the building, could still be trapped under the collapsed structure.

“Search and rescue teams are continuing operations to locate any remaining victims,” LASEMA stated.

To support the rescue efforts, the agency disclosed that heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, had been deployed to clear debris and provide access to possible survivors.

LASEMA urged residents and onlookers to stay away from the area to allow emergency responders carry out rescue operations without obstruction.

The agency added that the cause of the collapse had not yet been determined, noting that investigations would commence after the completion of rescue activities.