One trapped as building collapses during demolition in Lagos

A statement by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, said a distress call was received about the incident at 1:44 pm on Monday, October 26, 2026. The agency said it immediately deployed its Beta Team from Igando Base to the scene.

On arrival, responders discovered that one worker was trapped beneath the debris, while another worker who sustained a hand injury had been taken to a hospital before the team’s arrival.

LASEMA said its response team, working with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS, had begun a coordinated search and rescue operation. The area was cordoned off to prevent further danger, while the rescue operation remained ongoing.

The Lagos State Government said it would investigate the collapse to determine its immediate and underlying causes and ensure compliance with building control regulations.

Meanwhile, LASEMA said its response teams had handled three other traffic-related incidents across Lagos on Monday.

At about 1:30 am, the agency’s Tiger Team from C3 Base responded to an accident involving a Lexus Jeep, registration number BDG 404 KA, at Iyana Oworo, outward Third Mainland Bridge.

The vehicle had somersaulted after the driver reportedly lost control due to reckless driving. One adult male sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital before the team’s arrival. No death was recorded.

Responders cordoned off the scene, managed traffic and worked with a private tow truck operator to move the damaged vehicle to a lay-by. The operation was completed, and traffic flow was restored.

In Epe, LASEMA’s Whales Team from Epe Base responded to an accident involving an empty gas tanker, registration number T30015LA, on Ayetoro Road.

The tanker reportedly suffered brake failure while climbing the hilly Paramount Road near Okeabata Junction, veered into the road median and blocked about 97 per cent of the roadway. No casualty was recorded.

The response team, alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service’s Okeoso Station, secured the scene and arranged for a private tow van to recover the tanker.

At Arena, Oshodi, the agency’s Beta Eagle Team from Cappa Base responded to a truck that broke down on a railway track, obstructing train movement.

LASEMA said the truck, which was conveying goods and had an unknown registration number, broke down following a mechanical failure involving its propeller.

The response team, working with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and soldiers, diverted traffic and deployed the agency’s heavy-duty recovery equipment, Super Metro, to remove the truck to a safe lay-by.

The operation was completed, and both rail and road movements were restored.

The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, commended LASEMA and the collaborating agencies for their response to the incidents.

“The administration remains resolutely committed to the protection of lives and property and continues to invest in a world-class emergency management system that guarantees prompt response at all times,” the statement said.

It urged developers, property owners and contractors to comply with building regulations and engage certified professionals for demolition and construction work. Motorists were also advised to avoid reckless driving and maintain their vehicles regularly.

Residents were urged to report emergencies through the state’s toll-free numbers.