The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that four persons lost their lives while six others were rescued following the collapse of a three-storey building at No. 325 Bornu Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos.

 

Director of Operations at LASEMA, Mr Olatunde Akinsanya, told reporters at the scene that the agency received a distress call around 6:00 p.m. on Friday and immediately dispatched a rescue team.

 

“Emergency scene management is highly complex, and casualty figures often change as rescue operations progress. So far, six people have been rescued alive, while four have unfortunately lost their lives,” Akinsanya said.

 

He explained that the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies were crucial in containing the situation and ensuring a timely rescue. These agencies include the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the police, the Lagos State Fire Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

 

Despite the magnitude of the collapse and the number of occupants at the time, Akinsanya said the swift intervention of the rescue teams helped to avert a higher death toll.

 

“The emergency services of Lagos State, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have proven to be highly effective and efficient. As operations continue, we will keep updating the public,” he added.

 

Akinsanya urged residents to remain calm and assured that the state government possesses state-of-the-art equipment to handle emergencies of this scale as rescue operations continue.