A newly constructed two-storey building located at No. 12 Cameroon Street in the Mushin area of Lagos State collapsed on Wednesday during a bout of heavy rainfall, causing significant concern among residents and authorities.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, prompted an immediate response from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the permanent secretary at LASEMA, issued a statement detailing the emergency response efforts.
“When our rescue team arrived at the scene, it was discovered that the building was newly constructed,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. He confirmed that the rescue operations were swift and efficient, leading to the safe evacuation of seven individuals. The rescued persons, comprising three females and four males, were promptly transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
The collapse has sparked concerns regarding the structural integrity and regulatory compliance of newly constructed buildings in the area. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Local residents expressed their shock and dismay at the incident, with many calling for stricter enforcement of building codes and more rigorous oversight by construction regulatory bodies.
As the rainy season continues, the Lagos State government has urged residents to be vigilant and report any signs of structural weakness or potential hazards in their vicinity. The state is also reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens through proactive measures and responsive emergency services.