Terrace buildings collapse in Lagos, Nigeria, killing 5

There was tragedy in Lagos on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a set of three terrace buildings collapsed at Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria.

The incident saw at least five persons confirmed dead.

Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), and the Lagos State fire service rushed to the scene at the early hours of the morning when the incident occurred.

They found three males dead and rescued three males.

They rushed them to the hospital after one of the victims was found under the terrace rubble.

The unfortunate incident occurred when a set of three terraces under construction suddenly collapsed in the midnight hours.

3 rescued from the collapsed terrace buildings

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, reacted to the incident.

Dr. Oke-Osanyitolu said that search and rescue operations were swift, leading to the rescue of some victims.

“Initially three adult males were recovered dead, two male adults were rescued alive.

“One adult male trapped under the rubble was rescued alive by the LASEMA and the Lagos State Fire service.

“All the six men were site workers.

“They are receiving pre-hospital care on location while SEHMU has been contacted for the remains of the three fatalities,” Oke-Osanyitolu confirmed.

According to a report, after the rescue operation, the LASEMA boss confirmed more casualties.

Oke-Osanyitolu said: “A total number of dead is now five, adult males and a total number of five persons rescued and receiving medical treatment.”

Emergency teams were seen milling in and around the scene of the unfortunate incident.

The emergency teams include Lagos State Rescue and Fire Service, Nigeria Police and other rescue team.

About LASEMA

LASEMA, which stands for Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, is a government agency.

It responsible for managing and responding to emergencies, disasters, and humanitarian crises in the state.

LASEMA’s primary goal is to protect the lives and property of residents and visitors in Lagos State.

It also provides prompt and effective emergency response services.

Some of the services provided by LASEMA include:

1. Emergency Response:
   LASEMA responds to various emergencies such as fires, floods, road accidents, and building collapses such as the collapsed terrace building.
2. Search and Rescue:
   The agency conducts search and rescue operations to locate missing persons or those trapped in disaster situations.
3. Disaster Management:
   LASEMA works to mitigate the impact of disasters by providing support to affected communities.
4. Public Education:
   The agency educates the public on disaster prevention, preparedness, and response measures.

What causes collapsing of buildings?

Collapsing of buildings can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Structural weaknesses or defects
2. Poor design or construction
3. Overloading or excessive weight
4. Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods)
5. Fire or explosions
6. Foundation problems (soil instability, settlement)
7. Material failure (corrosion, decay, deterioration)
8. Lack of maintenance or repairs
9. Inadequate inspections or monitoring
10. Human error (construction mistakes, design flaws)
11. Soil erosion or subsidence
12. Water damage or flooding
13. Termite or pest infestation
14. Age and wear and tear
15. Inadequate retrofitting or upgrading
16. Construction on unstable ground
17. Inadequate anchorage or bracing
18. Material degradation (rust, rot, etc.)
19. Poor welding or connection details
20. Unexpected loads (snow, wind, etc.)

According to experts, the aforementioned factors can lead to the following various types of building collapse:

• Sudden collapse
• Progressive collapse
• Partial collapse
• Roof collapse
• Wall collapse
• Foundation collapse

Often, a combination of factors reportedly contributes to building collapse, rather than a single cause.

How can collapsing of buildings be prevented?

Collapsing of buildings can be prevented by:

1. Regular inspections and maintenance
2. Ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations
3. Proper design and construction
4. Using quality materials and workmanship
5. Conducting regular structural assessments
6. Addressing any damage or deterioration promptly
7. Implementing safety measures during construction or renovation
8. Ensuring proper foundation and soil stability
9. Monitoring for signs of distress or instability
10. Having an emergency plan in place

Additionally, builders and owners can take steps such as:

1. Hiring experienced architects, engineers, and contractors
2. Using advanced materials and techniques
3. Conducting regular training for maintenance and emergency response teams
4. Installing safety features like fire suppression systems and earthquake-resistant designs
5. Keeping records of maintenance, inspections, and repairs.

Experts say that by taking these proactive measures, the risk of building collapse can be significantly mitigated.

It will also ensure the safety of occupants and surrounding communities.

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