- According to LASEMA, all residents evacuated the building before it collapsed, as they had noticed signs of imminent danger
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that the collapse of a two-storey building in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State was caused by structural distress.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 20 Amusu Street, Bale Bus Stop, Sari, Orile Iganmu.
Nosa Okunbor, the Head of Public Affairs Unit at LASEMA, stated that the building had been marked as distressed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and eviction notices had been served to the occupants. However, some residents defied the orders and refused to leave the premises.
Okunbor noted, “The Agency’s Response Team arrived at the scene at 09:33hrs and observed that the two-storey residential building had collapsed. The cause of the collapse was attributed to structural distress. Despite LASBCA issuing eviction notices, some occupants remained defiant.”
Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, and no injuries were reported. According to LASEMA, all residents evacuated the building before it collapsed, as they had noticed signs of imminent danger.
The statement added, “All occupants of the building evacuated before the collapse as signs of imminent danger became apparent.” LASEMA has since cordoned off the site and ensured the evacuation of any remaining residents for safety reasons.
The building collapse, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, was captured in a video circulating online, showing nearby residents fleeing as the structure gave way.
Lagos authorities are continuing investigations and have reinforced the need for compliance with building safety regulations to prevent further incidents of this nature.