November 04, (THEWILL) – The death toll in the 21-storey building that collapsed on Monday on Gerrard Road, in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State, has increased to 32.
Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the development on Thursday, said there are so far nine survivors, including one female and eight males.
“So far, 36 people – 33 males and three females — have been confirmed dead, while there were nine survivors”, he said.
The operation to rescue those trapped in the rubble of the 21-storey building is still ongoing.
Families and friends of people trapped in the rubble have kept vigil at the scene, clinging onto hope and seeking answers, three days after the disaster.
Family and relatives waiting for news about their loved ones trapped in the rubble… on Wednesday evening. Photo: Dare Idowu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu put the death toll at 21 when he visited the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
The cause of the collapse has yet to be determined, but the governor has said there were obvious violations and “mistakes from all angles” in the tragedy.
He has set up a panel of inquiry into the incident and promised that those found culpable after investigations by the panel, will be punished.
