One person was feared dead yesterday and three others severely injured when a building under construction collapsed at Popoola Olafuyi St by Babayanju B/Stop in Mafoluku, Lagos.
The unfortunate incident occured around 2.30pm as the victims said to be artisans were bringing in blocks for the construction of the second slab of the collapsed building.
A Deputy Director from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Adekunle Rufia, led officials on rescue mission.
He confirmed the death of a victim and said three affected victims sustained various degrees of injuries.
Rufia said,” We discovered that the building was raised to the first storey since the last three years. Work just commenced on the second slab and it was this development that forced the structure to collapse.”
He informed that one of the victims that sustained broken arm had been treated and discharged while the other victims were rushed to a near by hospital
“When we got to the scene we were informed by eye witnessed that the artisans were not working, but where bringing in blocks which they intend to use on the second slab during the holiday before the structure gave in.
He said the collapse was caused by the weakness of the structure which he said was not capable of carrying the weight of the additional structure being added.
Our correspondent observed some of the artisans trapped.
Their legs were hooked, forcing residents to call and yell for assistance.
Lagos State Ambulance Service and police officers, who rushed to the scene, took time on how to rescue those under the debris while awaiting the arrival of Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority( LASEMA).
As at 4 00p.m only three of the victims had been rescued and taken to hospital.
Residents said the building had showed signs that it might.
They alleged that the structure had been abandoned for over 10 years before construction commenced after the land and building were sold to the new owner.
Taken from:
One dead, three injured as building collapses in Lagos