Tragedy struck in the early hours of Monday as a two-storey building collapsed at No. 54 Cole Street, near Cemetery Bus Stop in the Oyingbo area of Lagos, leaving many residents trapped beneath the rubble.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the incident occurred around 12:20 a.m. and prompted an immediate emergency response. Rescue teams from the Sari-Iganmu Fire Station, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and other first responders arrived swiftly to begin search-and-rescue operations.
So far, 15 individuals have been rescued, including seven adult males, four adult females, and four children, all of whom sustained varying degrees of injuries. The victims have been transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute Metta and the General Hospital in Odan, Lagos Island for urgent medical attention.
Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the building had previously been marked as distressed and occupants were advised to vacate. Unfortunately, the structure gave way while residents were still inside, raising concerns about enforcement of evacuation orders and building safety compliance.
Authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing rescue efforts. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the collapse, though preliminary reports suggest structural instability due to neglect and possible overloading.