One dead as two storey building collapses in Lagos

A tragedy struck on Thursday morning when a two-story building located at number 34 Oloto Street, Borno Way, off Freeman Street, Oyingbo, in Lagos collapsed, killing a woman said to be in her 80s.

The once-standing structure, now reduced to rubble, was a two-story building that stood as both a testament to time and a home to its occupants. However, tragedy struck, shattering the lives of those within its walls. The collapse occurred with abruptness, leaving little room for escape. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and their efforts focused on rescue operations and providing support to those affected by this sudden calamity.

At the center of this heartbreaking incident is an elderly woman, described as being in her 80s. Her life, marked by the passage of time, was abruptly cut short in a moment that no one could have anticipated. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the memory of this individual becomes a symbol of the human cost of inadequate building safety measures.

This tragic incident prompts a closer examination of building safety standards, especially in densely populated urban areas like Lagos. Questions arise about the structural integrity of buildings, adherence to construction regulations, and the role of responsible authorities in ensuring the safety of residents. As the community mourns the loss of one of its own, it also demands answers and accountability.

The incident happened at about 7.45 am on Thursday
There is no record of further injury in the unfortunate incident, aside the death of the Octogenarian

The yet-to-be-identified woman died on the spot as a result of the impact she suffered when the building collapsed on her.

The incident happened at about 7.45 a.m. on Thursday.

Sympathizers and other emergency responders raced to the scene to offer help in salvaging the situation.

The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed the casualty, saying there was no record of further injury in the unfortunate incident.

According to Oke-Osanyitolu, the agency received distress calls at about 8:30 a.m., and the rescue team arrived at about 8:42 a.m.

“The Agency responded to distress calls concerning the above and, upon arrival
discovered a two-story building in a state of partial collapse.

“Further information gathered at the incident scene revealed that an internal suspended beam in a room collapsed at about 7:45 am due to the ageing and lack of maintenance of the structure.

“Unfortunately, an old woman died from the impact of the partial collapse.”

Meanwhile, as of press time,10. am, a search and rescue operation was ongoing by the joint rescue team, while the scene has been cordoned off.

Officials of the LASEMA Response Team, LRU, paramedics, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and, Lagos Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS, are on the ground to ensure safety and sanity.

“The building has been cordoned off and LABCA has been contacted for further action,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.