The death toll in the 21-storey building that collapsed in Lagos on Monday has now risen to 14, officials in the state have said.
The state government, in a statement issued by the commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed that nine survivors have also been extracted from the rubble.
Omotosho said the survivors of the high-rise building collapse in Ikoyi, an upscale and affluent part of the state, are all men.
“Nine persons – all men – have been pulled out of the rubble alive. They have been taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, 14 others were brought out dead – as at 2pm,” the statement reads.
“Mr. Sanwo-Olu thanks all first responders and those who have joined the rescue efforts, including construction giants Julius Berger, Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“A help desk is to be set up at the site for people seeking information about their relations who may have been involved in the incident.
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He said the government will apprise the media of fresh developments whenever it’s imperative to do so. This, the commissioner said, will prevent sensational reporting of the “unfortunate incident”
“The Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, was today at the site to encourage rescuers and comfort relations of those trapped in the rubble. Dr. Hamzat left the site for the Lagos Island General Hospital to see the survivors.” the statement reads.
