A two-storey building along Herbert Macaulay Way, Ebute Metta area of Lagos state collapsed and killed three persons – a preteen, a woman, and a man.
The incident which occurred around 9:30am on Friday, killed a woman said to be an illegal occupant of the building. Residents said she had reportedly been issued an evacuation notice by the Lagos Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
Confirming the incident, Territorial Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Lagos, Ibrahim Farinloye said rescue operation by LASEMA, LASAMBUS, LASEMA Pre-Hospital Care Team, Lagos State Fire Service, LASBCA, Lagos Mainland LGA and the NPF 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 notice 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.”
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.