3 Die As Building Collapses In Lagos

At least three persons including a 12-year-old girl, woman and a man have been confirmed dead in a building collapse that occurred along Herbert Macaulay Way, Ebute Metta area of the state.

It was gathered that the incident that occurred on Friday would have been averted if the occupants of the 2-storey building had not returned to the building after it had been reportedly sealed off by the Lagos Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

The Territorial Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Lagos, Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the building collapse, adding that a rescue operation was ongoing.

He said, “A two-storey building with a pent house collapsed at about 0930 hours along Herbert Macaulay way, Ebute Metta. It is suspected that a woman illegally occupying it was trapped though it is suspected that there could be additional two people, but no one could confirm that yet.

“The Lagos Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had issued evacuation notices several times and all the original occupants had parked out. It was alleged that the property had been sold out about four months ago.

“Three of the occupants jumped to safety with the assistance of the residents. Search and rescue operation is ongoing.”

Also confirming the incident, the Director Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said that three persons died in the building collapse.

“A male and female adult as well as a female child of about 12 years old were recovered (dead),” she said.