The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey shopping mall in Lagos has risen to eight, while 26 people have been rescued alive as emergency responders continue intensive search-and-rescue operations at the scene.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning at Oluti Bus Stop, along Old Ojo Road, opposite Eternal Oil Filling Station in Alakija, Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
Providing an update on the operation, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed that rescue efforts remain ongoing.
“As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 26 persons have been rescued, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl. Search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” he said.
Earlier reports had indicated that 15 persons were rescued while one death was initially confirmed before the casualty figure increased.
Emergency personnel from the Police, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the military, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), LASEMA, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and other agencies are currently at the scene working to rescue victims believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and devastation as the building came crashing down.
Musa, a motorcyclist who witnessed the incident, said he was on his way to Mile 2 when he suddenly heard a loud noise.
“I was going to Mile 2 when I suddenly heard a noise behind me. I moved ahead quickly and turned back, only to discover that the mall had collapsed,” he recounted.
Another eyewitness said he narrowly escaped the disaster.
“I had just arrived at the shop and was standing outside. Less than five minutes later, I heard a loud noise and saw dust everywhere. I was carrying my child and did not know which direction to run,” he said.
Some witnesses claimed that survivors were still trapped under the debris hours after the collapse.
“There is someone making noise from beneath the rubble, and another person’s hand can be seen. Many people are still trapped inside,” one resident said.
A local resident revealed that concerns had been raised about the structural integrity of the building years before the collapse.
“My boss used to operate a cyber café inside the mall. About two years ago, he moved out because the building was showing signs that it could collapse,” the resident stated.
Several residents alleged that the building had developed visible cracks in recent days and claimed that government authorities had previously marked it for evacuation due to safety concerns.
Amid the tragedy, rescue workers successfully pulled a young boy alive from the rubble, sparking cheers and renewed hope among anxious relatives gathered at the scene.
All rescued victims and recovered bodies have been taken to Navy Town Hospital, Alakija, for medical attention and further procedures.
Rescue operations are expected to continue as authorities work tirelessly to locate and evacuate any remaining victims trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
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