A tragic building collapse in the Ikota area of Lekki, Lagos State, has left at least one person dead and several others trapped. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday around 4:00 PM, involved a two-storey structure still under construction. Emergency response teams have been deployed to the site, working tirelessly to rescue those still buried under the rubble.
According to reports from Hobnob News, four individuals have been successfully rescued with varying degrees of injuries. They were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. However, the exact number of people still trapped remains uncertain as search-and-rescue operations continue.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are leading the rescue efforts. Upon receiving a distress call, the NSCDC State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, promptly dispatched a specialized disaster management team to coordinate with other emergency responders. Chief Superintendent of Corps David Oyende, leading the Eti-Osa Divisional unit, confirmed the ongoing recovery operations.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moment the structure gave way, trapping several construction workers underneath. “It happened so fast; there were loud cracks, and suddenly, the building came down. People were screaming, trying to escape,” a bystander shared.
As of the latest updates, the cause of the collapse has yet to be determined. However, authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain whether structural defects, substandard materials, or regulatory violations played a role in the disaster. This incident adds to the growing concerns over building safety in Lagos, where structural failures have been an ongoing issue.
Residents and concerned stakeholders are urging the government to enforce stricter building regulations and ensure that only certified professionals handle construction projects. Meanwhile, emergency responders remain at the scene, hoping to save more lives as the search continues.
Hobnob News will continue to provide updates as more details emerge from this tragic incident.