In a fortunate turn of events, a family residing in the boys’ quarters of a storey building in Lagos narrowly escaped death when the quarters collapsed on Saturday. The incident occurred at No 49 Oyinlola Street, Off Adealu Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State.
Upon receiving distress calls, emergency responders including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) rushed to the scene to assess the situation. Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed that the boys’ quarters had self-collapsed, but fortunately, none of the family members were injured.
Investigations revealed that the collapse was a result of neglect and poor maintenance of the boys’ quarters. In response, LASEMA conducted public enlightenment to raise awareness about the dangers associated with occupying poorly maintained buildings.
As a precautionary measure, the main building, which consists of nine rooms downstairs and two flats upstairs, has been cordoned off. All occupants have been advised to evacuate the building immediately for their safety.
The location of the collapsed boys’ quarters is currently inaccessible, and manual demolition of the remnants is recommended. Additionally, the Material Testing Laboratory has recommended conducting integrity tests on the main building to assess its structural stability.
LASEMA’s response teams, including the pre-hospital care team and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, were present at the scene to ensure the safety of the affected family and provide necessary assistance.
It is crucial for building owners and residents to prioritize regular maintenance and address any structural issues promptly. Neglecting maintenance can lead to dangerous situations, endangering lives and property.
