Eyewitnesses and survivors are recounting the terror at the scene of the three-story mall that collapsed at Oluti Bus Stop on Old Ojo Road, opposite Eternal Oil Filling Station, in Lagos.
One person claims he can hear one victim making noises from inside the rubble.
Meanwhile, 15 persons have been rescued, and one is confirmed dead after the building collapsed on Thursday morning at Alakija in the Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
According to a police officer at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, about 15 people—including children and infants—have been rescued so far.
However, several others remain trapped beneath the rubble as emergency responders work tirelessly to reach them.
The police, fire and rescue service, military, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), LASEMA, LNSC, and other reaction teams are now on the scene, with rescue efforts underway.
Musa, another of the eyewitnesses who was passing by on his motorcycle, detailed the horrifying moment: “I was riding to Mile 2 when I heard a commotion behind me.
“I drove to the front quickly and then turned back. Then saw that the mall had collapsed.”
One of the eyewitnesses said, “I was just arriving at the shop, just outside. Not up to five minutes after, I heard a loud noise with smoke everywhere.
“I was carrying my child, not knowing which direction to run to as I escaped.”
Another witness pointed to the rubble, saying: “Look, there is somebody’s hand showing from that side.
“There is another person making a noise from under the building. A lot of people are still alive inside there.”
A resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that warnings about the building’s condition had been issued years ago: “My boss owns a cyber cafe inside the mall. Two years ago, he packed, saying the building was giving signs that it would collapse.”
Multiple witnesses stated that the building was ancient and showed cracks as recently as Tuesday.
Several locals also stated that the Lagos State government had earlier tagged the structure with a red warning to evacuate.
One bereaved eyewitness remarked, “My friend is dead inside there. He was about to run out when a block hit him. There are casualties.”
Amid the carnage, there was a moment of joy as a youngster was recovered alive from the wreckage, causing jubilation among the crowd gathered at the scene.
Many relatives of those who remain trapped are at the scene, praying and appealing for help as rescue efforts continue.
All victims and casualties rescued have been taken to Navy Town Hospital, Alakija.
