The death toll in the Lagos state mall, which collapsed on Thursday, has risen to eight, with 26 others rescued.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency acknowledged the most recent casualty estimates in a statement published by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to him, the structure on Old Ojo Road at the Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town, collapsed at 11:37 a.m., triggering a massive emergency response involving numerous agencies.
Oke-Osanyintolu provided an update on the rescue operation, saying, “As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 26 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl.”
He added, “Search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
LASEMA had earlier announced the activation of the agency’s emergency response following the incident.
“LASEMA has activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-story shopping complex at Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA.
Oke-Osanyintolu revealed that two victims were initially rescued alive through the efforts of emergency responders.
“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA, and CRCC Construction Company,” he said.
The LASEMA director also stated that a deceased adult male was discovered during the initial stages of the search.
“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing.”
The permanent secretary further claimed that indications from the scene suggested that additional people, including store owners and residents, could still be trapped beneath the wreckage.
“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active,” he said.
He also disclosed that heavy-duty equipment had been deployed to support rescue efforts.
“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He urged the public to keep away from the area, saying, “Members of the public are advised to remain calm, avoid the incident scene, and allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations.”
The authorities involved in the coordinated rescue operation are LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
