By Eniola Daniel
Three construction workers narrowly escaped death on Sunday following the collapse of a three-storey building under construction on Agarawu Street, off Aroloya Central Mosque, Idumota, Lagos.
The building, which was surrounded by three existing two-storey structures, reportedly collapsed around 2:00 p.m. while work was ongoing on the second level. Eyewitnesses said falling debris narrowly missed residents living opposite the site, with concrete crashing into a nearby sitting room.
Worshippers in the adjacent mosque were also reported to have escaped unhurt. A resident of the area, ShehuToheeb, expressed shock over the incident, stating that the building had appeared structurally sound. “The workers were preparing to commence the third decking. Luckily, the three construction workers were rescued alive. We’re grateful no one was hurt, especially as many people live around the area, though most were away on Sunday,” he said.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), in its preliminary report, said the immediate cause of the collapse was yet to be determined. It noted that further investigations would be carried out to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes.
Officials of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) were present at the scene to collect building materials for laboratory analysis. Personnel from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) were also on-site to clear the debris.
When contacted, LASBCA spokesperson AdemuyiwaAdu said he could not speak on the incident at the moment.
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