One feared dead, 10 rescued as three-storey shopping complex collapses in Lagos (Video)

A tragic building collapse in Lagos on Thursday claimed the life of at least one person, while 10 others were rescued alive after a three-storey shopping complex crumbled in the Alakija area of the state.

The incident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. on Old Ojo Road, close to Alakija Bus Stop, sending panic through the bustling commercial neighbourhood and prompting a large-scale emergency response.

Rescue teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), alongside other emergency and security agencies, were swiftly deployed to the scene to search for victims trapped beneath the rubble.

Authorities confirmed that one fatality had been recorded, while 10 occupants were successfully pulled out alive from the collapsed structure. However, concerns remain that additional victims may still be trapped, with search and rescue operations continuing several hours after the incident.

According to emergency officials, the affected building housed shops and commercial activities, with traders, business owners and customers believed to have been inside when the structure suddenly gave way.

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Eyewitnesses said a loud sound was heard before the building collapsed, forcing residents and passersby to flee for safety as dust and debris engulfed the area.

Emergency responders have deployed heavy equipment and specialized rescue personnel to comb through the wreckage in a race against time to locate possible survivors.

The collapse drew a large crowd of residents and concerned onlookers, while security operatives cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue efforts and prevent further casualties.

Although the exact cause of the collapse has yet to be determined, officials said investigations would be launched to ascertain the circumstances that led to the structural failure.

Building collapses have remained a recurring challenge in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, often raising concerns over compliance with construction standards, structural integrity, and regulatory oversight.

As rescue efforts continue, authorities have appealed to residents to stay away from the disaster site and allow emergency workers unhindered access to carry out their operations.

Emergency agencies said updates would be provided as more information becomes available regarding the number of people trapped and the progress of the ongoing rescue mission.