The Lagos State Government announced that there were no fatalities in the collapse of the seven-storey building being constructed in Banana Island, Ikoyi. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, provided an update on the incident and stated that the state government has launched an intensified investigation into the collapse.
According to Omotoso, 25 people were rescued from the site and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) used a high-precision 3-D Laser Imagery System to scan the building and found no evidence of anyone trapped in the rubble. The site has been divided into quadrants for a search and rescue operation, and quadrants two and three have been levelled to ground zero after completing the search operation. Of the 25 people rescued, 16 were admitted to hospitals for moderate injuries, and nine others were treated and discharged at the site. The incident occurred during concrete casting, according to preliminary investigations.
As a result, the Governor has directed that all developments on Banana Island be put on hold until a comprehensive audit is conducted by officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency. Eyewitnesses, who spoke anonymously, claimed that one of the concrete mixer trucks collided with some load-bearing columns of the building, causing a loud bang and leading to the immediate collapse.
The Lagos State Government has taken measures to prevent further incidents by placing a hold on all developments on Banana Island until the audit is completed. The audit will be conducted by officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency to ensure that all buildings in the area meet the necessary safety requirements.
Eyewitness accounts suggested that the collapse was caused by a concrete mixer truck that collided with load-bearing columns of the building. This information, along with the findings from the preliminary investigations, will be used to determine the cause of the incident.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency played a crucial role in the rescue operation, using advanced technology and careful excavation to ensure that all individuals were accounted for. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment, and some require daily follow-up and management.
The incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring that all buildings are constructed with proper safety measures and inspections. The government’s decision to conduct a comprehensive audit of all buildings on Banana Island is a step towards preventing similar incidents in the future.
The incident has also raised questions about the regulation of the construction industry in Lagos State. There have been concerns about the safety standards of buildings being constructed in the area and the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and regulations.
The Lagos State Government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors, and has called on all stakeholders in the construction industry to adhere to safety standards and regulations. The government has also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious or unsafe construction practices to the relevant authorities.
In addition, the government has pledged to provide support to the families of those affected by the collapse and to ensure that they receive necessary medical care and other forms of assistance.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking necessary precautions in all construction projects to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of workers and the general public. It is essential that all stakeholders in the construction industry work together to promote a culture of safety and compliance with regulations.