By HeapNews
Lagos, June 16, 2025 – A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided on Monday when a two-storey building under construction at No. 3, Craig Street, off Apata Road, Shomolu, Lagos, collapsed during a decking process.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other agencies rushed to the scene following a distress call. On arrival, they discovered that the structure had caved in while workers were still on site. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries.
“No life was lost and no injuries recorded. Workers reportedly fled the site before the arrival of emergency responders,” said a statement from the LASEMA Cobra Response Team.
Investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse. However, officials confirmed that the structure was one of two being constructed at the same location.
Significantly, falling pillars from the collapsed building struck a nearby church — the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Liberty Parish, located at No. 5 Craig Street. The church suffered partial structural damage but miraculously, all worshippers present also escaped without injury.
“Our priority was to ensure no one was trapped beneath the debris,” the LASEMA spokesperson added. “A coordinated search was immediately conducted and the area has now been cordoned off to prevent further risk.”
Other agencies involved in the emergency response included the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Shomolu Local Government, and the Nigeria Police.
In the aftermath, residents in the area were sensitised on the need to keep off the collapsed structure as safety officials sealed the site for further investigation.
“We are thankful this didn’t end in disaster. This is a strong reminder of the dangers of substandard construction practices and the importance of professional supervision,” an official with the Lagos State Fire Service commented.
Authorities have assured that a full investigation will follow and that those responsible will be held accountable if negligence is confirmed.