The Lagos State Building Control Agency has confirmed that a three-storey building located at 19, Church Street, off Adeniji Adele Street on Lagos Island, partially collapsed on Wednesday.
It was learnt that the building suddenly, caved in partially when some of the occupants, were already asleep killed a 5yr old boy boy while scores narrowly escaped death.
According to men of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, who raced to the scene on rescue mission, the single, yet-to-be identified fatality was lost due to a room beam that partially collapsed on the boy when the incident occurred. Other occupants at the time of the incident sustained different degree of injuries and have been taken to hospital for treatment.
A statement by the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency Arc. Gbolahan Oki,on Friday said the preliminary investigation into the cause of the collapse, which occurred late in the night while residents were asleep, indicated the structural failure of a part of the beam carrying a water tank used by the occupants.
While commiserating with families of affected victims, Arc. Oki appealed to Lagosians to always report cases of distressed buildings around them, noting that this will help stem the tide of needless loss of lives and property caused by building collapse.
Speaking further, the General Manager said the Agency has taken several steps to address issues of collapse in recent times, including massive stakeholders’ engagement and enlightenment with building developers, owners and occupiers on the need to build right using the right materials, professionals and involving LASBCA at all stages of the construction.
In his words, “LASBCA is passionate about the need for Lagosians to build right. There is a need to do the proper thing; ensure you have your necessary permits, obtain your letter of authorisation before the commencement of any building project and always involve our Agency in all stages of your project. This will help in no small way to achieve a Safe, Secure and Habitable Building for the Lagos of our dreams”.
Arc. Oki also appealed to other residents in the building to vacate immediately as the structure will be removed in the coming days to avoid a total collapse which could be fatal.
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