Lagos building collapse: Death toll rises to five as rescue operations continue

The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey building at 10 Oremeta Street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, has risen to five, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed early Sunday morning.

According to an update provided by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, as of 5:00 am, all five fatalities recovered from the debris were adults. The building caved in around 8:32 am on Saturday, trapping dozens under the rubble.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, who visited the scene on Saturday, disclosed that 22 victims had been rescued from the ruins.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the building, despite its aging structure, was being used as an eatery at the time of the incident. Construction work was also reportedly ongoing when the collapse occurred.

Earlier updates had confirmed two fatalities late Saturday night. Around 11:00 pm, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu said 11 women were among those rescued, while two deaths were confirmed.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had initially reported 12 survivors as of 8:17 pm.

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Separately, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the deaths of a male and female victim, with 15 people rescued as of 8:23 pm.

Providing a fresh update early Sunday, Oke-Osanyintolu said: “A total of 13 adults have been rescued alive so far and have received pre-hospital care. Five adult fatalities have been recovered and transferred to the morgue. All first responders remain on the scene to continue search and rescue operations. Further updates to follow.”

Rescue efforts have been ongoing through the night, with teams from LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, NEMA, and other first responders coordinating to locate any remaining survivors.

Authorities have yet to officially confirm the cause of the collapse. However, preliminary observations suggest that the building’s structural integrity had been compromised, exacerbated by ongoing construction activities.

Officials hinted that investigations would determine whether negligence, building code violations, or other factors contributed to the disaster.

The Ojodu Berger incident underscores the persistent risks associated with aging and unregulated structures in Lagos, a city grappling with rapid urbanisation and a history of building collapses.

Lagos has seen several building collapse incidents in recent years, often blamed on poor construction practices, use of substandard materials, and lack of regulatory enforcement.

Urban safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter oversight of building projects, routine inspections, and the demolition of compromised structures.

As rescue operations continue, the state government has pledged a thorough investigation and vowed to hold accountable anyone found culpable for the tragedy.