A dramatic rescue operation was carried out on Lagos Island yesterday, after a four-storey building collapsed at 11am, trapping 10 people under the rubble. The incident occurred at 15, Iga Idungaran Street, near the Oba of Lagos’ palace.

The building, which was undergoing renovation work, had already been marked for evacuation by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) before it collapsed. Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police, and others rushed to the scene to rescue the trapped victims.

The rescue operation was a joint effort between emergency responders, who cordoned off the entire area to ensure a seamless rescue operation.

According to Dr. Femí Oke-Osanyitolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, the 10 rescued victims included seven adult males and two females.

Eight of the victims received pre-medical care from agency paramedics at Iga Iduganran primary healthcare centre before being taken to receive further care.

The remaining two victims, including a 17-year-old girl, were also rescued and taken to the same healthcare centre for treatment.

At press time, the building had been partially demolished, with plans to level it to ground zero and conduct integrity and material testing on the adjacent building.

The rescue operation was a testament to the quick response of emergency responders and their ability to work together to save lives.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring building safety and adhering to construction regulations in Lagos.