Three dead, 12 rescued as two-storey building collapses in Ogun

A two-storey building has collapsed at Baale street in Ajuwon area of Ifo LGA of Ogun state.

The building, comprising shops and residential apartments, collapsed on Monday afternoon amid heavy rain in the area.

Emergency responders were mobilised to the scene after the incident.

Speaking with Channels Television at the scene, Akiode Saheed, zonal director of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in south-west, said the occupants of the building had noticed some structural cracks but did not inform the appropriate authorities.

Saheed said emergency responders have commenced evacuation of the debris.

He disclosed that three dead bodies were brought out of the debris after the incident happened on Monday and 12 persons were rescued.

“As you can see, all rescue agencies are conducting search and rescue operations. Currently, we are doing evacuation of the debris,” Saheed said.

“As of yesterday, 12 people were recovered alive while three dead bodies were brought out. The dead bodies have been deposited in the hospital.

“There have been some cracks in the building but the occupants did not report to the appropriate authorities.”

LASEMA JOINS IN RESCUE OPERATIONS 

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) also joined in the rescue operation. Ajuwon is a border community in Ogun and Lagos.

In a statement, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the permanent secretary of LASEMA, said the agency responded to the request for assistance from Ogun state over the incident.

Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA supported the rescue operation with its officials and heavy rescue equipment.