The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed the tragic collapse of a three-storey building undergoing manual demolition in the Alayabiagba community of Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, resulted in the death of one adult male and the successful rescue of eight others from the rubble.
According to LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency received a distress call at 11:09 a.m. and promptly activated its emergency response teams from Agbowa and Alausa. Upon arrival at No. 28 Baale Alayabiagba Street, responders discovered that the structure had collapsed mid-demolition, trapping several workers beneath the debris.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the building caved in during demolition operations. The exact cause is yet to be determined, and forensic engineers have been deployed to assess structural integrity and compliance with safety protocols.
This incident follows a similar collapse just days earlier on Lagos Island, raising concerns about the enforcement of building codes and demolition safety standards. The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to holding property owners and contractors accountable for negligence and non compliance.