At least 1 dead, 11 trapped after building collapses in Nigeria

By Kabir Adeniyi

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - At least one person is dead and 11 people are trapped after a two-story building collapsed Tuesday in the Ikota, Lekki area of Lagos, Nigeria.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said four people who have been rescued sustained varying degrees of injuries and have been transported to the hospital.

Most of the victims were said to be construction workers.

“The immediate cause of the incident is unknown, and a further investigation will be conducted,” said Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the permanent secretary of LASEMA.

He added that a search and rescue operation is still ongoing to ensure no victims were left under the rubble.

Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, has in the last few years witnessed repeated incidents of such collapses.

Despite economic hardship in the country, the real estate industry remains one of the most vibrant sectors. But the growth of the sector is battling the challenge of building collapses.