The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that eight persons including a baby girl, have died following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos.
Penpushing reports that the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu in an update on the incident affirmed that 26 persons have been rescued alive, adding that search and rescue operations were still ongoing, with emergency responders continuing efforts to locate and extricate any additional victims trapped beneath the rubble.
The Permanent Secretary stated earlier that two victims were initially rescued alive through the joint efforts of the agency, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and the China Railway Construction Corporation.
Penpushing further reports that Osanyintolu had equally confirmed the recovery of one adult male from the debris adding that reports indicated that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business activities in the complex, might still be trapped.
The statement stated that rescue teams have continued systematic excavation of the debris, supported by heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, however, urged residents and onlookers to stay away from the scene to enable emergency personnel to carry out rescue operations unhindered.
Penpushing also reports that as at the time of filing this report the cause of the collapse has yet to be officially determined, while the agency assured the public that verified updates would continue to be released as the operation progresses.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that the building collapsed earlier on Thursday in Alakija, Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area, prompting the activation of a multi-agency emergency response.
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