Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) revealed on Sunday that two buildings, one of two storeys and the other four storeys high, situated side by side, had collapsed in the Kosofe area of the state.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the agency, issued a statement confirming the incident at No. 47-49 Oduntan St., Kosofe, Lagos.
Upon the arrival of LASEMA’s response team at the scene, it was discovered that both a two-storey and a four-storey building had collapsed at the mentioned address. Preliminary investigation by the response team indicated that the collapse could be attributed to the buildings’ aging condition and inadequate maintenance by the owner.
Additionally, the investigation revealed that the staircase inside the building had caved in, leading to an unfortunate incident where a male adult fell from the topmost floor and required hospitalization.
In response to the situation, residents of the affected building have been instructed to evacuate under the supervision of a joint team comprising LASEMA, the Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) to prevent any further secondary incidents.
Furthermore, the building will undergo demolition as it has failed structural integrity tests, a determination confirmed by LASBCA officials on-site. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and adjacent structures.
LASEMA’s response team, along with paramedics, the RRS, LABSCA, and LNSC, are currently on the scene, working diligently to address the situation and prevent further risks to the community.
