Another building collapses in Lagos as three storey structure caves in on itself injuring 12 people

TWELVE people have been confirmed injured after a three-storey building under construction collapsed in Lagos State last night in what has become a recurring incidence with sub-standard structures giving way thanks to a poor planning regime.

In March,  a building housing a primary school in Ita Faaji on Lagos Island caved in on itself, killing students, staff and a few parents. With reports indicating that the building had been earmarked for demolition but the Lagos State government refused to act on a request that it be pulled down for two years, the incident led to a huge outcry.

Lagos Island in particular is full of old buildings, which have been upgraded without proper planning permission or the use of the right materials. Once an inner city area of derelict and poor bungalows, Lagos Island has enjoyed massive expansion over the last 50 years as the city has grown into a commercial metropolis.

Following the incidents, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (Lasbca), began pulling down the 180 or so houses on Lagos Island that have been earmarked for demolition. This latest incidence, however, involved a three-storey building in the Fagba area of the state.

Lagos State Emergency Management Agency chief executive Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said: "This is just to inform you that a three story building collapsed at K Farm, Fagba, Off Iju Road. It was a building under construction and people occupying the building have been evacuated and the injured are responding to treatment.

“No mortalities recorded and all the key stakeholders that are important in managing disaster in Lagos are on ground. However the building will be pulled to ground zero for the safety of the people living in the area, while all the buildings adjacent or beside the collapsed building will be subjected to solid material testing. for your information.”