5 die in building collapse

By Christopher Oji

No fewer than five persons have died in a collapsed building at Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos.

It was gathered that the early-morning incident affected a set of three-storey buildings under construction, which collapsed and trapped some of the workers under the rubble.

Confirming the incident, permanent secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the tragedy happened at number 13, Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland.

He stated that remains of five male casualties have been recovered.

“The agency received a distress call regarding a collapsed building at the above address at about 3.49 a.m. This prompted the immediate activation of the agency’s response team to the scene of the incident at 3.58 a.m.

“One of the rescued victims was treated at the site. Search and rescue operations began immediately, and five adult males were recovered dead, two male adults were rescued alive, and one adult male trapped under the rubble was rescued,” he said.

He added that the rescue was carried out through the efforts of LASEMA and the Lagos State Fire Service.

On her part, director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the service was alerted about 1:55 am to a collapsed building, and the Ilupeju Rescue Team was immediately dispatched to the scene:“Eight people have been rescued so far. Five people were rescued alive and have been transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Sadly, three individuals have been recovered deceased.

“Search and rescue operations are actively ongoing. Further updates will be provided as the rescue operations continue. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event/”