John Adoyi, PBA Journalism Mentee-
Governor Sanwo-Olu Orders Probe
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Officials Scan Collapsed 7-Storey Structure With high-precision 3-D Laser Imagery, Rescue 25 People, Complete Search Operation
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LASEMA Continues With Evacuation Of Site Using Architectural Designs
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Quadrants 2 and 3 Levelled To ground Zero
The Lagos State Government has scanned the collapsed seven-storey building in Banana Island, Ikoyi with high-precision 3-D Laser Imagery System and found no evidence of anyone trapped in the rubble, the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho says in a statement made available to Prime Business Africa (PBA).
The revelation followed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s order for probe into the Wednesday April 12, 2023 collapse of the building still under construction as well as stoppage of all constructions in the area, amid audit of all estates and gated communities in the state.
Twenty-five people, including workers, were rescued from the building and no death was recorded in the incident as of Friday morning.
READ ALSO: Many Feared Trapped As 7-storey Building Collapses ln Lagos
“Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) had to scan the building with high-precision 3-D Laser Imagery System for life and found no evidence of anyone trapped in the rubble,” the Lagos State government said in a statement just as site supervisors took a roll call and accounted for everyone.
Meanwhile, LASEMA has continued with the excavation of the site, using the architectural designs.
The site has also been divided into quadrants for a painstaking search and rescue operation, according to Commissioner Omotosho.
“Presently, quadrants 2 and 3 have been levelled to ground zero, having completed the search operation. Quadrants 1 and 4 are ongoing,” he said.
What Government Officials Are Doing About Banana Island Building Collapse:
Physical Planning and Urban Development Commissioner Bamgbose-Martins, an engineer and Special Duties Special Adviser Mobolaji Ogunlende, are coordinating the operations. LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu is leading the operations.
Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi has visited the site and hospitals where victims of the incident were admitted.
Of the 25 persons rescued by LASEMA, 16 with moderate injuries were admitted at General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island and Police Hospital Falomo for treatment and care. Nine others with minor injuries, such as bruises, were treated and discharged at the site by Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS).
Of the 16 persons on admission, 11 were taken to Police Hospital Falomo. Eight of the 11 persons have been treated and discharged. Some are required to come for daily follow-up and management. Three with various injuries, including blunt traumatic chest injury, knee injuries, deep lacerations and others, are on admission.
At the General Hospital Odan, Lagos Island, there are five patients with more serious injuries.
The State Government, as a matter of policy, will be responsible for the emergency treatment and care, including the medical bills of the victims on admission. It will also provide post-trauma counselling support and care for all victims through the Lagos MiND programme (Mental Health in Development) – a free mental health counselling and support service provided by the Ministry of Health.
Preliminary investigations have shown that the incident occurred during concrete casting. Eyewitnesses said one of the concrete mixer trucks rammed into some load-bearing columns of the building, causing a loud bang and leading to the collapse.
The building was hitherto sealed by the Lagos State Government for not having the approval to commence construction, but the developers continued to build, hiding under the security of their estate/gated community.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also directed that all developments on Banana Island be placed on hold, subject to a comprehensive audit by the officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). This is to determine:
- How many buildings are being constructed without approval from the Lagos State Government; and
- If all approved buildings are being built in line with the approval limits provided.
Omotosho said the exercise would be extended to other estates and gated communities.
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