Emergency Team Rescues 7 Workers As 7-Storey Building Collapses In Banana Island

BY CHINYERE OBIORA – There seems to be no end in sight for incidents of collapsed structures in Lagos State as a seven-storey building under construction caved in at First Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos

Eyewitness account said the incident which occurred on Wednesday had seven persons, all construction workers, rescued while an undisclosed number of persons were still trapped under the debris at about 8.30pm.

However, emergency responders at the scene hinted that only one person was still under the debris, even as some members of the public commended the Lagos State Fire Service (LSFS) for their prompt response as the first responder at the building collapse sight.

While LSFS’ officials were making efforts to damp the dust in order to enhance visibility, they were later joined at the scene by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), led by the South West Coordinator, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) and the Police, among other agencies.

With the cause of the building collapse yet to be ascertained, the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, said the building was unapproved, stating thus; “an unapproved seven-storey building under construction collapsed in Banana Island, Lagos State, this evening (yesterday).

“There was no fatality. Few victims who sustained injuries are being treated. This unfortunate incident happened while casting was being done at the site.

“The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, immediately visited the site to assess the situation and flag off investigation.

“We ask members of the public to remain calm and expect further information from the ministry as we know more”.

Reports indicate that the collapsed building is one of the three highrise structures under construction in the area.