The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos has increased to nine.
Earlier, Margaret Adeseye, controller-general of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, said two persons had died in the incident, while 16 others were rescued alive from the debris.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said on Friday that 26 people have now been rescued alive, with search-and-rescue operations still ongoing at the site.
The building, located along Old Ojo Road in the Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area, collapsed on Thursday, trapping several occupants.
Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, permanent secretary of LASEMA, said emergency responders have entered a crucial stage of the operation as efforts continue to reach “ground zero”.
“We have deployed sophisticated equipment, including both heavy-duty and light-duty machinery,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu added that all emergency response agencies in the state have been mobilised to support the rescue mission.
“All first responders in Lagos State are on the ground, and rescue efforts are continuing,” he said.
The LASEMA boss expressed optimism that more survivors could still be found beneath the rubble.
“With the technology and manpower at our disposal, we remain hopeful. If there is anyone alive beneath the debris, that person will be rescued,” he said.
He added that rescue efforts would continue until responders reach the foundation of the collapsed structure.
“We will continue until we reach ground zero. The operation is still ongoing, and we are deploying additional machinery to the site. More equipment is being moved from our Ijora base to ensure we work effectively and efficiently throughout the night and into tomorrow morning,” he said.
The rescue operation involves LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, private sector partners, and the Local Emergency Management Committee.
Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the building collapse.