Reports from Lagos, Nigeria indicate that a two-storey building has collapsed in the Alimosho area of the state, causing a state of panic among residents. The incident, which occurred at 4, Modupeola Street, Mangoro bus stop, took place on Wednesday evening.
While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) and other agencies were quickly on the scene. Their swift action led to the rescue of six people from the rubble.
According to officials, one of the victims, a 44-year-old man, was trapped but was successfully rescued with fractures and bruises. He was taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and is reported to be in stable condition. The other five rescued individuals were taken to a nearby private hospital for medical attention.
Building collapses are a recurring and tragic problem in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. Investigations into past incidents have often pointed to a number of common factors, including:
- Substandard materials: The use of poor-quality materials to cut costs is a major contributor to structural failure.
- Poor workmanship: Engaging unqualified or “quack” builders and bypassing the supervision of certified professionals.
- Lack of proper regulation and enforcement: Government agencies responsible for physical planning and urban development are often criticized for failing to adequately monitor and enforce building codes and regulations.
- Corruption: This can lead to the approval of building plans that do not meet safety standards or the neglect of inspections.
- Faulty design: In some cases, the initial design of the building may be flawed, especially if it does not account for the specific soil conditions of the location.
The latest collapse adds to the growing number of such incidents in the state, highlighting the urgent need for a more concerted effort by all stakeholders—from government agencies to developers and property owners—to ensure compliance with building standards and put an end to these preventable tragedies. The Lagos State government has announced an investigation into the collapse.
