On October 14, 2024, a two-storey building on Amusu Street, Bale Bus Stop, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria, collapsed, prompting immediate responses from emergency services. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as the building had been evacuated earlier due to concerns about its structural integrity.
Videos circulating online showed the moment the building gave way, with people seen fleeing the area as the structure crumbled. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, along with other emergency responders, arrived promptly after distress calls were received, ensuring that the area was cordoned off and that no one was at risk.
According to a statement from Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on New Media, distress calls about the collapse were received via the 767/112 toll-free emergency lines at 8:47 am. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) activated its Cobra Response Team from Onipanu, and they arrived at the scene by 9:33 am. Upon their arrival, it was confirmed that the two-storey residential building had collapsed. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities, as the building’s occupants managed to escape after noticing signs of an imminent collapse.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had previously identified the building as distressed and had issued a notice for occupants to vacate the premises. Despite this, some residents had remained. The preliminary cause of the incident was attributed to the building’s deteriorating condition, which ultimately led to its collapse. LASBCA officials present at the scene reaffirmed that the building was no longer fit for habitation, emphasizing that occupants had been advised to vacate the premises for safety reasons.
LASEMA officials, along with other agencies, undertook several key measures to manage the situation:
- The site was cordoned off to prevent unauthorized access.
- A coordinated response involving stakeholders ensured smooth operations.
- Crowd control measures were implemented to facilitate rescue efforts.
- Further assessments were conducted on nearby structures, identifying another two-storey building in the area as distressed and uninhabitable. For safety reasons, occupants of this building were also evacuated.
The operation is still ongoing, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
The swift response was made possible through the coordinated efforts of several agencies, including:
- LASEMA and its Cobra Response Team
- Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
- Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA)
- Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC)
- Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Ojora Palace Chiefs, and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF)
The incident has reignited discussions on the enforcement of building safety regulations in Lagos. With several recent cases of building collapses across the city, residents and officials alike are calling for stricter compliance and proactive measures to prevent such occurrences. The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing building safety standards, urging property owners to comply with regulations and ensure proper maintenance of their structures.
Nosa Okunbor, Head of the Public Affairs Unit at LASEMA, confirmed that updates would continue to be provided as the situation develops. The authorities have assured the public that they are taking necessary measures to address safety concerns in the area and prevent future incidents.
As the operation continues, emergency responders are maintaining a presence at the scene to ensure safety and manage any further risks. The state government, through agencies like LASBCA, has also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in reporting distressed buildings and adhering to evacuation notices.
The collapse on Amusu Street serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and adherence to building safety protocols. Authorities have vowed to step up efforts to identify and address unsafe buildings, ensuring the safety of residents across Lagos.
