Some children escaped death on Wednesday evening and several construction staff were trapped in a 7-storey building caved in during construction at First Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
Eye witness reported that some children who usually gathered near the structure to play football just left the premises when the incident occurred.
As gathered, undisclosed number of construction workers reportedly trapped under the rubble, while some of them jumped from the top floors, just before the building caved in.
Eyewitness account said some kids walking around the site narrowly escaped, while investigation as at the time of filing this report showed that the collapse occurred when casting was ongoing.
Efforts are being made by nearby construction workers, members of the Lagos State Fire service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Julius Berger staff with heavy rescue equipment and Police to dig the rubbles and rescue the trapped people.
In a quick response on the matter by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Government, Mukaila Sanusi, the affected building was unapproved while the State Government has commenced further investigation on the incident.
According to him, “An unapproved seven-floor building under construction has collapsed in Banana Island, Lagos State, this evening. Few, who sustained injuries are being treated. There is no fatality. This unfortunate incident happened while casting was being done’, Sanusi said.
“The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, was immediately on 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”, he added.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the state equally confirmed the incident in a statement, confirming that efforts are being made by the management to bring in more equipment to assist in the ongoing rescue operation.
