No fewer than eight people have died, while 26 others were rescued after a three-storey shopping complex collapsed in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the casualty figures in a statement by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

He said the building, located on Old Ojo Road near Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town, collapsed at about 11:37 am, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving several emergency agencies.

“As of 4:20 pm, a total of 26 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

He added that search and rescue operations were still ongoing, with fears that more people, including shop owners and customers, could still be trapped beneath the rubble.

According to him, LASEMA immediately activated its emergency response, while personnel from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Nigeria Police, the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders joined the operation.

The injured victims, who sustained varying degrees of injuries, were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Eyewitnesses said panic erupted after the building suddenly gave way.

A fruit seller operating near the scene said a loud cracking sound was heard moments before the collapse.

“We heard a strange noise, and then the building came down. People started screaming and running for safety. Residents and passersby immediately began rescuing those trapped before emergency workers arrived,” the witness said.

Another resident, Yinka, a vulcaniser, said locals used their bare hands to remove blocks and debris in an effort to save victims before heavy equipment arrived.

LASEMA said rescue operations would continue until everyone trapped in the rubble was accounted for.