Ebute Metta building collapse: Death toll rises to 8

The death toll from the collapsed three-storey building at the Ebute Metta area of Lagos State has risen to eight, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said.

The three-storey building located at No. 24 Ibadan Street, Herbert Macaulay Way, Ebute Metta, collapsed on Sunday night at about 10:56 p.m.

The Zonal Coordinator South-West, NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, revealed that the deceased persons included five males and three females, adding that the number of rescued occupants remains 23.

He noted that rescue operations were ongoing at the site of the incident in search of occupants trapped under the rubble.

NEMA had earlier confirmed the death of a mother and her child in the building collapse.

The agency said the recovered bodies were those of a mother and her child, while the rescued persons included seven children and 16 adults.

READ ALSO: Mother, son die as 3-storey building collapses in Lagos

“Nine of those rescued alive have been treated and discharged.

“They returned to the scene, but have been taken away for proper custody while psycho-social and post-trauma counselling are being arranged for them by the Nigerian Red Cross,” it noted.

Also speaking on the incident, the Lagos State Emergency Management (LASEMA) said the three-storey building collapsed at about 10:56 pm on Sunday.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, made the disclosure via a situation report on Monday morning.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the collapsed building comprised rooms and parlour.

“Further information gathered revealed that the incident occurred at about 10:56 pm with a yet undetermined number of people trapped. Search and rescue ongoing.

“As of 02:10 am, 22 males, one female rescued alive. One male and female recovered dead,” he stated.

The Star