A 12-year-old girl has been recovered from the rubble after a one-storey building located at 122, Herbert Macaulay Way, Lagos Bus Stop, Ebute Metta, Lagos, collapsed, leading to a search and rescue operation.
The latest development reveals that a girl was discovered though her condition is suspected to be fatal.
Earlier reports indicated the successful rescue of an adult female from the collapsed structure, bringing a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
However, the situation took a somber turn as the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service provided updates on the ongoing operation.
Initially, the Fire Service reported that three adults, including a baby, were recovered from the ruins, and efforts were underway to rescue two more individuals still trapped. The rescued adult female was said to be in stable condition, providing a momentary relief amid the dire circumstances.
Subsequent updates, however, delivered heartbreaking news as the recovery mission uncovered two additional bodies – one male and one female. Both individuals are suspected to have succumbed to the devastating collapse.
The Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, conveyed the gravity of the situation and the tireless efforts being made by emergency responders.
The incident was first reported at 09:00 hours, prompting an immediate and comprehensive emergency response to address the unfolding tragedy.
The collapse occurred in a densely populated area, further emphasizing the urgency of the rescue operation.
Search and rescue teams continue to work diligently to recover any remaining individuals and provide closure to the affected families.
As the community grapples with this unfortunate event, questions about the structural integrity of buildings in the area and adherence to safety standards come to the forefront.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and assess the overall safety of surrounding structures.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent building regulations, regular structural assessments, and emergency preparedness in urban areas prone to such disasters.
The hearts of the community go out to the affected families, and support services are being mobilized to provide assistance during this challenging time.
