Eight Killed, 26 Rescued as Shopping Complex Collapses in Lagos

LAGOS, Nigeria — At least eight people, including an infant girl, have been confirmed dead after a three-storey shopping complex collapsed in the Alakija area along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Thursday.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said 26 other victims were rescued alive from the rubble as emergency responders continued intensive search and rescue operations at the scene.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed the latest casualty figures in an update issued on Thursday.

The building, which housed several shops and business premises, reportedly collapsed earlier in the day, prompting the immediate activation of the state’s emergency response system.

Emergency Agencies Launch Rescue Operation

In an initial statement, Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA activated a multi-agency emergency response immediately after receiving reports of the incident.

“LASEMA has activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA.

“A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing, with responders working systematically to search for and extricate anyone trapped beneath the rubble,” he said.

According to him, emergency responders from LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Construction Company and other relevant agencies commenced coordinated rescue efforts shortly after arriving at the site.

He disclosed that two victims were initially rescued alive while the body of one adult male was recovered from the debris during the early stages of the operation.

“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA, and CRCC Construction Company.

“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing,” he said.

Death Toll Rises to Eight

Oke-Osanyintolu noted that there were indications that additional victims, including shop owners who had resumed business activities, could still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

He said heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, was deployed to facilitate rescue operations and improve access to sections of the rubble.

Providing a fresh update at about 4:20 p.m., the LASEMA Permanent Secretary confirmed that the death toll had risen as rescue operations progressed.

“As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 26 persons have been rescued alive, 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.

LASEMA urged members of the public to remain calm and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations.

Fire Service Confirms Earlier Casualties

Earlier, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had confirmed that two people were recovered dead while 16 others were rescued alive before additional victims were located.

The agency’s Director, Margaret Adeseye, said emergency responders were working to ensure that all affected persons were rescued and accounted for.

“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service hereby provides an update on the ongoing rescue operation at the site of the collapsed two-storey building located at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, along the Badagry Expressway.

“Rescue efforts are still ongoing, and six additional victims have been successfully rescued from the debris, bringing the number to 16. Regrettably, two people have been recovered dead.

“Emergency responders remain on the scene, working tirelessly to ensure that all affected persons are accounted for and to safeguard the area,” she said.

The difference in casualty figures reflected the evolving nature of the rescue operation, with LASEMA providing updated numbers as more victims were recovered from the debris.

Recent Building Collapse

The latest incident comes weeks after another building collapse in Lagos.

On June 5, a three-storey building under construction at No. 1 Josephine Fingesi Street, off Wole Olateju Street, Lekki Phase 1, partially collapsed, leaving one person dead.

LASEMA spokesperson Olawale Afolabi had said nine people were affected in that incident, with one victim recovered dead.

Also Read: Nigeria’s Current Account Surplus Jumps 256% to $4.98bn in Q1 2026

admin

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.