The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed two fatalities following the collapse of a two-storey building at No. 59 Coates Street, by the Cemetery, off Oyingbo Road, Lagos Island.
NEMA said search and rescue operations at the site were successfully concluded after hours of coordinated emergency response involving several agencies.
The agency made the announcement on Tuesday, after wrapping up operations that began shortly after the incident.
The collapse occurred yesterday when the building suddenly gave way, trapping occupants beneath the rubble and causing panic among residents.
NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office said it received distress calls and immediately deployed rescue teams and equipment to the scene.
According to the agency, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other stakeholders.
“After several hours of intensive operations, 20 persons were rescued alive, while those with injuries were promptly evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment. Sadly, two fatalities were confirmed.
“Following the final phase of the operation, all occupants were accounted for, and the search and rescue mission was officially concluded. The site has since been cleared under the supervision of the Nigeria Police Force, which also maintained security and crowd control throughout the exercise,” NEMA added.
The agency noted that investigations revealed the building had been marked for demolition by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), but residents reportedly ignored the evacuation order.
NEMA commended the professionalism of all participating agencies and advised residents to adhere to government safety directives and evacuation notices to prevent future tragedies.
