2 confirmed dead, many injured as three-storey building collapses in Lagos

Tragedy struck in the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos on Saturday morning when a three-storey building collapsed, claiming the lives of two men and injuring several others.

According to the Lagos State Police Command, 23 people were rescued from the debris following the incident, which occurred around 8:30am.

The victims had been inside the building—home to a bar and restaurant—when it came crashing down.
Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the casualty figures.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency was alerted to the collapse at about 9:45am and arrived at the site shortly after.

“Eight victims were rescued while one of the rescued victims attended by the LASEMA Pre-Hospital Care Unit was transported to the hospital for further medical attention,” he said.

“LASEMA Response Teams commenced search and rescue efforts immediately on arrival. Safety measures were activated with the operational area cordoned-off at the incident scene.

“The agency’s heavy-duty equipment, ‘the escavator’, has been activated and deployed to aid in the quick rescue of victims that may still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure,” he added.

It was earlier reported that several people were believed to be trapped beneath the rubble on Oremeta Street, where the structure was undergoing construction.

Eyewitnesses said the building had shown signs of distress for some time. A man who frequently visited the restaurant said: “I usually go to the restaurant to eat and drink. Many times, I had seen water drip from the decking of the building even when it was not raining. People raised the alarm when they started putting a third structure on the building, but nothing was done.”

Another resident, Abiola David, revealed that a car and its occupants were among those caught under the debris. “A car parked inside the premises, its owner and his son were also trapped in the collapsed building,” he said.

Emergency responders have since intensified efforts to reach any remaining survivors, with operations expected to continue until the site is fully cleared.