Rescue operation underway at Ikoyi building collapse site

Ikoyi 21-storey building

Rescue operations have begun at the site of the collapsed building in Ikoyi area of Lagos.

Director general, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday afternoon that the agency had activated its emergency response plan to deal with the incident.

“All first responders are en route to secure the scene while the heavy duty equipment and life detection equipment have been dispatched,” he said.

At least 50 people are reportedly trapped under the rubble.

The building located at 20, Gerrard Road collapsed around 3 pm on Monday.

Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development said its rescue team was struggling to clear gridlock to access the collapsed building site few metres away.

“LASG rescue operation underway. Team struggling to clear gridlock at 200 metres from collapse site,” spokesman of the ministry Mukaila Sanusi told NAN.