A two-storey building with a penthouse has collapsed in Lagos.
The building collapsed along Herbert Macaulay Way in Ebute Metta around 9:30 am on Friday, leading to a search and rescue operation amid fears that three individuals were trapped in the rubble.
The Lagos Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, revealed in a statement on Friday that a woman is suspected to be illegally occupying the collapsed structure, and there are concerns that two additional people might be trapped with her.
According to Farinloye, the Lagos Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had issued multiple evacuation notices to compel the occupants to vacate the premises.
It was reported that the original occupants had heeded the warnings and left the building, which had allegedly been sold about four months ago.
“Three of the occupants managed to jump to safety with the assistance of residents, while search and rescue operations are underway,” stated Farinloye, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to locate and rescue those potentially trapped beneath the debris.
This tragic incident raises questions about the effectiveness of evacuation measures and building control in the area, prompting authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
The community now awaits updates on the search and rescue efforts as emergency responders work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the trapped individuals and assess the extent of the damage caused by the collapse.