27 survivors rescued from two-storey building in Satellite Town
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has officially concluded search, rescue, and recovery operations at the site of Thursday’s building collapse in Alakija Bus Stop, Satellite Town, confirming nine fatalities and 27 survivors.
The two-storey building collapsed at approximately 12:47 p.m. on Thursday in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Rapid Emergency Response
LASEMA activated its emergency response teams within minutes of the collapse. The agency’s Sharks Response Team from Lekki Base and Alpha Cobra Squad from Onipanu arrived at the scene within 40 minutes, alongside other emergency responders, according to Mr Afolabi Olawale, LASEMA’s Head of Public Affairs.
The multi-agency operation involved the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Red Cross, and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Casualties and Medical Response
All 27 rescued victims received immediate pre-hospital care from LASAMBUS before being transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
The fatalities included four adults who had died before emergency responders arrived, and five additional victims recovered during the rescue operation including a two-year-old girl. The remains have been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and release to families.
Operation Details
Two excavators deployed by CCECC, complemented by LASEMA’s heavy-duty excavator, enabled responders to safely access trapped victims and complete the operation. Rescue efforts concluded at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Friday after responders reached ground zero.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry provided strategic oversight throughout the operation.
Government Response and Preventive Measures
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed LASBCA to immediately assess the structural integrity of adjoining buildings and enforce compliance with building regulations in the area.
LASEMA expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured speedy recovery. The agency urged residents to promptly report distressed buildings to LASBCA or through LASEMA’s toll-free emergency lines, 112 and 767, to help prevent similar incidents.
