A poorly built three-storey building housing the popular Equal Right Restaurant and Bar on Oremeta Street, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos, collapsed around 8 a.m., leaving one person dead and 13 others rescued. The incident, which occurred in a bustling area, sparked panic as restaurant workers, customers, and a family were trapped under the rubble.
Details of the Incident
The building, described as old and partially occupied, had its ground floor in use as a restaurant, bar, and parking lot, while the upper floors remained unoccupied. Reports indicate the structure was undergoing unapproved construction work, which may have contributed to its collapse. Eyewitnesses described the building as a “ticking time bomb,” with concerns about its structural integrity raised long before the tragedy.
The collapse occurred shortly after some restaurant workers arrived, catching occupants and passersby by surprise. Emergency response teams, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police, and others, were swiftly mobilized following a distress call at 8:32 a.m. By Saturday evening, 13 victims, including restaurant staff, customers, and a family, were rescued, with one adult confirmed dead.
Rescue Efforts and Response
Rescue operations continued into the night, with responders using both light and heavy-duty equipment to carefully clear debris and reach “ground zero” to ensure no one remained trapped. The rescued victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were attended to by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) before being transported to hospitals for further treatment.
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, emphasized the need for property owners to seek proper approvals before altering ageing structures, noting that unapproved modifications likely contributed to the collapse. The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and hold the building’s owner accountable.
Community Impact and Reactions
Residents expressed grief and frustration, with some recounting narrow escapes. One local, Chike, shared that he avoided eating at the restaurant the previous night, a decision that likely saved his life. Posts on X reflected community concern, with users urging people to check on loved ones in the Ojodu-Berger area.
This incident marks the second building collapse in Lagos within weeks, highlighting ongoing concerns about structural safety in the state. Authorities have cordoned off the site, and rescue efforts are ongoing to ensure no further victims remain trapped.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter building regulations and regular inspections to prevent such disasters. The Ojodu-Berger community mourns the loss of life and prays for the recovery of the injured, while emergency responders work tirelessly to provide closure to affected families.
