Panic gripped residents of the Alakija area in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State on Thursday after a three-storey building collapsed, leaving an unknown number of people feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The incident, which occurred around 11:40 a.m., sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood as residents, traders and passers-by rushed to the scene amid fears of casualties and further structural failure.
Eyewitnesses said the building suddenly gave way without warning, disrupting normal activities in the area and forcing occupants of nearby structures to flee for safety.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of victims trapped or injured had yet to be determined.
Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said rescue operations had commenced at the site.
Emergency responders were mobilised to the scene to search for and rescue victims believed to be trapped under the debris.
The cause of the collapse was not immediately known, while authorities continued efforts to account for all persons affected by the disaster.
Residents gathered around the site anxiously as rescue teams worked to clear the rubble and prevent further loss of life.
More details are expected as the rescue operation progresses.