27 pupils feared dead, 33 rescued in 3-storey building in Ita-Faaji, Lagos Island

Also, another fifteen children and a teacher were still trapped in the rubble as the teacher was said to have made phone calls, claiming that fifteen of the pupils were under his care inside the rubble

Admin l Wednesday, March 13, 2019

LAGOS, Nigeria – Tragedy struck this morning in Lagos Island when a 3-storey building sank, killing about twenty seven private school pupils and five adults, including the owner of the school and a member of Pashi Willoughby CDA in Lagos Island, Kazeem Lawal.

The sad incident occurred at 36 Massey street, near Ita- Faaji market at about 10am when children of Ohen Nursery and Primary school located at the last floor of the building have fully resumed for the day. However, about 33 pupils of the school, three adullt and a pregnant woman were rescued from rubbles.

Also, another fifteen children and a teacher were still trapped in the rubble as the teacher was said to have made phone calls, claiming that fifteen pupils were under his care under the rubbles. Area boys and symphatisers immediately went on rescue mission by digging the rubble and rescued many of the victims. A pregnant woman who is a resident in the building was rescued alive by the boys, while the owner of the school, rescued alive later died at hospital.

The Pashi Willoughby CDA exco member, Kazeem Lawal could not make it as it was learnt that he just returned from his night duty security job and was in his room sleeping when the incident occurred. His remains was brought out and taken to General hospital mortuary, Lagos Island. A barber, Mr. Adeyemo also lost one of his twins daughters to the incident. He is the first to be rescued alive.

Government ambulances from nearby areas were used in carrying the rescued victims while officials of Fire service, security operatives, Lagos State government officers were working together with Area boys on the rescue mission. A heavy crane, belonging to Julius Barger was also brought to the place of incident to assist Area boys in the rescued mission.

Meanwhile, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who paid unscheduled visit to the place blamed landlords for the incident, saying ” many of the houses have been tested and recommended to be demolished, but the landlords are not cooperating with us”.

“I am appealing to the residents and landlords to cooperate with the government officials and allow them do their jobs