Many Rescued As Building Collapses In Lagos (Photos)
In a dramatic incident that has gripped Lagos, a three-storey building under construction collapsed late Friday night, trapping several workers inside. The collapse occurred at No. 333 Borno Way, Alagomeji, Yaba, in the heart of the bustling city. Emergency responders sprang into action, rescuing multiple individuals from the rubble. As of Saturday, September 13, 2025, reports confirm that eight construction workers have been pulled alive from the debris, with some hospitalized for treatment. Tragically, at least one person was confirmed dead, and search operations continue to ensure no one is left behind. This event highlights the ongoing challenges of building safety in Nigeria’s commercial capital, where such collapses have become alarmingly frequent.
The collapse happened around 8:30 PM on September 12, catching workers off guard as they toiled on the site. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud rumble before the structure gave way, sending dust and debris into the air. The building, which was midway through construction, crumpled without warning, leaving a pile of concrete and twisted metal. Initial fears were that up to eight people were trapped, but swift response efforts turned the tide.
Details of the Incident
The affected building was a three-storey structure intended for residential or commercial use, though specifics remain unconfirmed pending investigation. Located in the densely populated Alagomeji area of Yaba, the site is near major roads like Borno Way, making it a high-traffic zone. Construction workers, mostly male adults, were inside at the time, possibly working overtime. Reports vary slightly on the exact number trapped—some sources say five to eight—but all agree on the rapid mobilization of rescue teams.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the collapse was reported immediately, triggering a multi-agency response. Teams arrived within minutes, using heavy machinery, cranes, and manual labor to sift through the wreckage. By early Saturday, four workers had been rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Later updates from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the total rescued alive reached eight, with two bodies recovered—one male victim confirmed dead. One survivor recounted the horror in a video shared by media outlets, stating, “We were working inside when it suddenly started shaking. Everything came down so fast. I thank God I’m alive.”
No further casualties have been reported as of midday Saturday, but search and rescue operations persist. The site has been cordoned off to prevent unauthorized access and ensure responder safety. Eyewitnesses in the area expressed shock, with one local resident telling reporters, “We heard the noise and rushed out. It’s scary because buildings are going up everywhere here.”
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The response was a coordinated effort involving several key agencies, showcasing Lagos State’s emergency infrastructure. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) activated its Onipanu Rescue Unit immediately after the alert. They were joined by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Nigeria Police Force’s Area C Command, and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
NEMA’s teams also mobilized quickly, confirming the rescue of four individuals in their initial statement. “Teams from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other responders quickly mobilized to the scene and commenced search and rescue operations,” NEMA posted on X. By morning, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service updated that three male adults were rescued alive initially, with operations continuing for the remaining trapped workers. Deputy Comptroller Olajide Ogabi of the service emphasized that all relevant responders were on site, and the search would not stop until everyone was accounted for.
Photos from the scene, shared by NEMA and news outlets, show rescuers in orange vests digging through rubble under floodlights. Ambulances waited nearby, and cranes lifted heavy slabs. One image captures a rescuer carrying an injured worker on a stretcher, while another shows the mangled remains of the building’s framework. Social media posts from @nemanigeria and @BusinessDayNg include visuals of the debris and emergency vehicles, highlighting the scale of the operation. These photos have gone viral, amassing thousands of views and shares.
The rescued workers were taken to hospitals like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for treatment. Their conditions range from minor injuries to possible fractures, but all are reported stable. No deaths beyond the one confirmed have been announced, a small mercy in what could have been a larger tragedy.
Cause of the Collapse and Investigation
The exact cause remains under investigation, but preliminary reports point to potential structural defects or regulatory breaches. The building was under construction, and questions arise about whether it had proper approvals from LABSCA. Lagos has strict building codes, but enforcement is often criticized as lax. Experts suggest substandard materials, poor workmanship, or overloading during construction may be factors—common culprits in such incidents.
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, issued a statement noting that investigations are underway to determine if structural failures or other issues contributed. The site has been sealed, and officials from LABSCA are reviewing plans and permits. This follows similar collapses, like the July 2025 incident on Lagos Island where several were hospitalized, and the January 2025 Lekki event that killed two.
Lagos, often called Nigeria’s “building-collapse capital,” has seen over 90 such incidents in the last 12 years, claiming more than 350 lives, according to the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria. The 2021 Ikoyi high-rise collapse, which killed 42, remains a stark reminder, with ongoing probes into negligence. Urban growth, substandard practices, and insufficient inspectors exacerbate the problem in a city of over 20 million.
Public Reaction and Calls for Action
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with users sharing photos and videos of the rescue. Posts from @SaharaReporters and @MobilePunch, including a video of a survivor, have garnered thousands of engagements. One user lamented, “Heartbreaking news from Yaba, Lagos. Another collapse, honestly action is needed. 650+ collapses, 1,600+ lives lost since 1974.” Calls for a national Construction Act to enforce stricter standards are growing, with advocates like legal influencer @DokitaAbiola pushing for better oversight.
Residents in Yaba expressed fear, with some avoiding nearby sites. Civil society groups like SERAP have urged the Lagos government to release past investigation reports and implement recommendations. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has promised tougher regulations, but incidents persist.
Broader Implications for Lagos
This collapse renews debates on urban safety in Lagos. Rapid development fuels the economy but at a human cost. Experts recommend more inspectors—Lagos needs at least 5,700, but has far fewer—and public awareness on reporting violations. The government has sealed risky buildings before, but enforcement gaps remain.
In related news, a gas leak in Ikeja on the same night caused panic but was contained as a routine exercise, per authorities. No injuries there.
Conclusion: Hope Amid the Rubble
While the Yaba building collapse is a stark reminder of construction hazards, the successful rescue of eight workers offers a glimmer of hope. Emergency teams deserve praise for their efficiency, but the incident demands systemic change. As investigations unfold, Lagos must prioritize safety to prevent future tragedies. Our thoughts are with the rescued and the family of the deceased. For updates, follow official channels like @nemanigeria and @LASEMALagos. Stay safe, Lagos.