Tragedy struck around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, when a seven-storey building under construction collapsed at First Avenue in the upscale area of Banana Island, situated in Ikoyi, Lagos.
In a shared by Punch, the building appeared to give way without warning while construction workers were seen walking atop the uncompleted structure seconds before the collapse. Here’s what we’ve gathered so far.
Have there been any casualties?
that an undisclosed number of people remained trapped underneath the rubble. Eyewitnesses said people jumped off the building before its collapse while kids walking around the area narrowly escaped death. The DG/CEO of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) that rescue operations were ongoing.
According to Punch, while the search continues. However, an undisclosed number of people have suffered injuries to varying degrees.
Which agencies have responded?
The Lagos Fire Service and Rescue Service spokesperson, Amodu Shakiri, . He said, “We got a call around 3:58 pm. We are currently trying to ascertain the claim that no one was under the rubble.”
The Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State government, :听
“An unapproved seven-floor building under construction collapsed in Banana Island, Lagos State, this evening. “Few who sustained injuries are being treated. There is no fatality. This unfortunate incident happened while casting was being done.
“The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, was immediately on site to assess the situation and flag off an investigation.
“We ask members of the public to remain calm and expect further information from the ministry as we know more.”
LASEMA also said there were .听
What led to the collapse?
In a statement, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development said the collapsed building didn’t have a permit, suggesting it was built without regard to the state’s building code. LASEMA the building collapsed because a truck ran into the building.
What next?
The Lagos state government has called for calm, saying there’s an investigation into the collapse. In the meantime, here is of Lagos state emergency lines should you know anyone directly impacted by the collapse. We will keep you updated as the story unfolds.
on Friday, April 14th, by 6 pm as we talk to historians to give us a perspective on an interesting slice of Nigerian history.
