By correspondent in Lagos.
Two persons have been confirmed dead while 14 others were rescued from the rubble of a collapsed three-storey building with a penthouse under construction on Oriwu Street, Lekki, Lagos.
The victims were said to be construction workers at House 29, Oriwu Street, where the incident occurred around 4 p.m. The exact cause of the collapse has yet to be determined.
The Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin,on Thursday ,said officers were immediately deployed to the site following a distress call.
“Two persons died. A total of 14 have been rescued and taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment. Our operatives are still on ground to support the ongoing rescue operation,” he said.
However, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported a different figure, stating that six persons were rescued.
According to the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency activated its emergency response plan upon receiving distress calls through the 767/112 emergency lines.
“Upon arrival, LASEMA’s Shark and Eagle Response Teams confirmed the collapse of a three-storey building under construction. Two adult males were recovered dead, while six others were seriously injured and received immediate medical attention from the LRU Pre-Hospital Care Unit before being transported to Marina General Hospital,” he said.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the Lagos State Response Team (LRT) coordinating other agencies on site. Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, has been deployed to aid the operation.
Other agencies involved include the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Police.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
