The death count from the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos has jumped to nine.
Controller-general of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye,
had earlier stated that two people died in the incident and 16 people were pulled alive from the debris.
Now, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has said that 26 persons have been rescued alive from the rubble, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.
The building, located along Old Ojo Road in the Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), collapsed on Thursday, trapping several occupants.
Permanent secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that emergency responders have reached a critical phase of the operation as efforts continue to reach “ground zero”.
“We have deployed sophisticated equipment, including both heavy-duty and light-duty machinery,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu said all emergency response agencies in the state have been mobilised to the scene to support the operation.
“All first responders in Lagos State are on the ground, and rescue efforts are continuing,” he added.
The LASEMA boss said more survivors could still be found beneath the debris.
“With the technology and manpower at our disposal, we remain hopeful. If there is anyone alive beneath the debris, that person will be rescued.
“We will continue until we reach ground zero. The operation is still ongoing, and we are deploying additional machinery to the site. More equipment is being moved from our Ijora base to ensure we work effectively and efficiently throughout the night and into tomorrow morning,” he said.
