A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday night, September 12, 2025, at 333 Borno Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos State.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident, which happened around 8:30 pm and left several people trapped under the rubble.
Survivors Pulled Out Alive
Eyewitnesses gave conflicting figures, with some claiming six people were trapped and others saying five. However, emergency responders rescued four adult males alive and rushed them to the hospital for treatment.
Consequently, officials urged the public to remain calm as efforts continue.
Swift Emergency Response
Teams from NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other first responders quickly mobilised to the site.
They immediately launched intensive search and rescue operations and cordoned off the area to protect the public.
Rescue officials continued working through the night. Moreover, they assured residents that no effort would be spared in saving lives. Meanwhile, engineers on site assessed structural risks to prevent secondary accidents.
Lagos’ History of Building Collapses
Building collapses remain a recurring tragedy in Lagos and other Nigerian cities. In fact, experts have linked most cases to poor construction practices, the use of substandard materials, and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
Furthermore, the growing demand for urban housing often leads to rushed and unsafe construction projects.
Government data and civil society reports reveal that dozens of collapses occur every year, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement. Therefore, stronger oversight is needed to protect lives.
Authorities Warn Developers
Authorities in Lagos have repeatedly warned developers against unsafe practices. Additionally, the government has sealed several non-compliant buildings in the past.
Nevertheless, experts stress that stricter enforcement is required to prevent future tragedies. Notably, industry stakeholders have also called for stiffer penalties against erring contractors.
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