Two dead, others injured in Lagos building collapse…here’s how to protect yourself from harm
Photo credit: PM
Lagos State has witnessed a turbulent event of a building collapse around Northern Vulture Estate, Chevron, Ajah area. The collapsed structure is a two-storey building under construction which caved in on people reported to be workers on the site.
According to the ThisDay report, two persons have been confirmed dead, five severely injured, and several persons are still trapped under the debris of the building.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed the ugly incident through a statement released on Tuesday by Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Public Relations Officer of LASEMA. He revealed that the injured persons had been immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
READ ALSO: Two dead, 4 hospitalised as building collapses in Abuja
One death too many — why are Lagos buildings collapsing?
The Agency has also identified two dead bodies, one belonging to a teenage boy and the other, to an unidentified adult male.
The agency through their PRO stated that the cause of the collapse is yet unknown but assured that investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the factor behind the collapse.
Meanwhile, there has been a dispatch of heavy-duty machines as it is still believed that there might be many others trapped in the collapse.
A lot of breaking is going on in the incident ground, as the agency has razed down the remaining building to help those trapped inside.
Search parties, rescue operations and all emergency-related activities have been engaged to ensure the death toll is reduced according to Dr. Oke-Oke-Osanyintoluu.
However, nothing has been said about the owner or owners of the building or the agency handling the construction. Nothing has been heard from them and no reports have been given on people coming to identify the dead bodies or injured individuals as theirs.
All fingers are crossed, there is a huge hope in LASEMA to do the needful to rescue every trapped person.
Meanwhile, should you find yourself in this situation of building collapse, the steps below will help you minimise harm and save your life:
Find a cover
According to popular opinion, the first moments of a building collapse are the most dangerous. But, don’t panic. Once you hear strange noises like creaking walls, or cracking concrete, or see dust and debris falling, act immediately. Find a large or sturdy object like furniture, or a pillar and stay next to their safe angle, you can curl yourself in a foetal position to protect your vital organs. Avoid the dangerous or falling angles and do not stay under them, you can get crushed.
Stay calm, protect your head and face
Use your arms to shield your head. Your head and face are the most vulnerable parts. Avoid much movement, and if you must move, do it slowly to avoid dislodging heavy objects around you.
Be cautious while breathing.
Panic is your worst enemy, you can have a panic attack. So, take deep slow breaths to stay composed. Avoid breathing in dust and don’t use your mouth to breathe. It can lead to blockage when you have inhaled harmful substances.
Reach out for help
Check if you have your phone with you, you can place a call or call out for help by shouting and letting people know you are there. But do it cautiously to avoid losing all your energy.
Check for escape routes
If you aren’t trapped under heavy debris, check if there is an open space where you can squeeze through. Move cautiously to avoid triggering secondary collapses. Don’t use the elevator, staircase or ladder, they might have weak structures and will put you in a more dangerous situation. Avoid glass, window and panel areas, the iron impact could be more devastating. When you have got yourself out of the collapse, go for a medical check-up and seek help for others trapped inside.
