A disturbing incident unfolded on Thursday morning as a three-storey building, still under construction, collapsed at No. 1 Isalegangan Street, adjacent to the bustling Itafaji Market, within the Lagos Island area of Lagos.
According to Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the collapse occurred around 10:15 am, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
Upon arrival, LASEMA swiftly conducted a thorough assessment of the scene. Oke-Osanyintolu reported that the collapse appeared to have been an isolated event, with no apparent external factors contributing to the structural failure.
One concerning observation made was the narrowness of the access street, making it challenging for heavy-duty vehicular operations, which could hinder rescue efforts and further complicate the situation.
In light of this, Oke-Osanyintolu recommended urgent action by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to manually demolish the few remaining pillars of the collapsed structure. This coordinated effort, he suggested, would be overseen by LASEMA’s Lekki branch to ensure the prompt clearance of debris obstructing the road and surrounding areas.
A critical plea was issued to the public to steer clear of the incident scene, emphasizing the importance of safety and the need to avoid hindering ongoing rescue and demolition operations.
