Construction workers escape unhurt as 2-storey building collapses in Somolu

Tragedy was narrowly averted in the early hours of Monday, June 16, 2025, as a two-storey building situated at No. 8 Craig Street collapsed in the Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, sending residents and passersby into a frenzy but miraculously leaving no casualties.

The incident, which occurred around 7:00 a.m., reduced the structure to a heap of rubble, triggering panic in the densely populated neighbourhood as people scampered for safety. Eyewitnesses described the collapse as sudden, with a thunderous sound that shook nearby buildings and forced roadside traders and pedestrians to flee the area.

Fortunately, all the construction workers on site at the time managed to escape unhurt, a development residents and emergency responders have described as nothing short of miraculous while the building housing Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG)’s fence was partially damaged.

According to eyewitness Mr. Tajudeen Yusuf, a nearby shop owner, “The building just came down suddenly with a loud bang. We thought it was an explosion at first. People ran in every direction, but thank God nobody died or got injured.”

Emergency responders, including officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Lagos State Physical Planning Agency, Lagos State Fire Service and community security operatives, were quickly mobilized to the scene to secure the area, and investigate the cause of the collapse.

Preliminary investigations suggest the structure, which was under construction, may have shown signs of structural distress prior to the incident and due to the last Saturday’s heavy downpour. However, detailed assessments are expected to follow as relevant agencies commence a full-scale inquiry into the incident.

While speaking to Somolu Newspaper, a senior official from LASEMA who pleaded anonymity stated, “This is a wake-up call. We will thoroughly investigate what led to the collapse. It’s fortunate that no lives were lost, but this could have been a major disaster.”

Reacting to the incident, the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu (Dullar), expressed relief that no fatalities were recorded. He emphasized the importance of compliance with building regulations and assured that his administration would continue to work with state agencies to ensure building safety in the Somolu community.

“This is indeed a scary moment for us, but we are grateful to God that no one was injured or killed. We will not tolerate any form of negligence when it comes to structural integrity. Developers and landlords must always do the right thing and adhere strictly to building standards,” he warned.

As of the time of filing this report, the building site remains cordoned off while investigations continue. Authorities have also called on property developers and owners across the state to conduct integrity tests on old structures to prevent future occurrences.

Though no lives were lost, Monday’s building collapse in Somolu has once again highlighted the pressing need for enforcement of construction regulations and periodic safety inspections to safeguard lives and property across Lagos State.