An eyewitness described how the mosque collapsed right before services started when an excavator irresponsibly damaged it while cleaning silt from drainages beside the road. The area descended into turmoil as rescuers and well-wishers scrambled to free the trapped victims following the fall.
Tragic events occurred on Sunday when a mosque in the Ladipo neighborhood of Lagos State’s Yusuf Street abruptly fell on worshipers, some of whom were children. Three confirmed deaths and seven injuries were the outcome of the incident.
Four people were treated and released from the scene, while four more people with injuries of varied degrees were sent to the hospital by ambulance.
An eyewitness described how the mosque collapsed right before services started when an excavator irresponsibly damaged it while cleaning silt from drainages beside the road. The area descended into turmoil as rescuers and well-wishers scrambled to free the trapped victims following the fall.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed the deaths and stated that other trapped victims were rescued from the rubble. Dr. Oke-Osanyitolu reported that upon arrival at the scene at 1:40 PM, a preliminary investigation revealed that the reckless operation of the excavator led to the collapse.
“Upon arrival at the scene at 01:40 PM, a storey building was found to have collapsed. Preliminary investigation carried out upon arrival at the scene revealed that an excavator clearing the road recklessly hit a mosque (a storey building) by the roadside, which resulted in the mosque collapsing as prayers were about to commence.
“Four victims were immediately rushed to the hospital. A total of 10 people were trapped beneath the rubble.
“One adult was retrieved dead, while the others received pre-hospital care on the scene from the agency’s Pre-Hospital Care Unit. One with serious injuries was also transferred to the hospital.”
Responders at the scene included the Agency’s response team led by the Permanent Secretary, the LRU Fire unit, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS). The incident highlighted the urgent need for stricter safety protocols in construction and demolition activities.