The death toll from the collapsed three-storey building in Lagos has risen to five with fifteen people rescued alive so far.
According to an update from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Sunday, the building, which housed a restaurant and bar, is located on Oremeta Street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos collapsed on Saturday morning.
Several victims who were trapped in the building were believed to be restaurant workers and customers. The storekeeper was among the survivors, while those injured received pre-hospital care.
Giving an update, NEMA’s Zonal Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, said: “Fifteen have been rescued alive, and five persons are dead.”
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), led by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, all survivors received pre-hospital treatment.
He explained that additional construction had been carried out on the existing structure without obtaining approval from government building regulatory agencies, which subsequently led to the collapse.
“All first responders are on the scene to continue search and rescue operations,” he added.
“The agency responded to the incident, and upon the arrival of the shark team at the scene, it was discovered that a storey building under construction had collapsed.
“The shark team, alongside LRU paramedics, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LNSC officials, and the Nigeria Police Force, were the responders currently at the scene,” he said.