2006 Lagos building collapses

Due to generally poor construction standards in Lagos, Nigeria building collapses are a fairly common occurrence. In 2006, up to 3 building collapses were reported.

March

On March 22, the top nine stories of a 21-story bank building in Nigeria collapsed. This happened after a fire had gutted two stories in the building earlier that month. Heavy winds during a thunderstorm caused the building to cave in from the structural weakness after the fire. The bank was the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank. This building was located in the commercial centre of the city.

Casualties

Only one person was killed while 24 were reported injured.

July

The July collapse was a disaster that occurred on July 18, 2006 when a four-story block of flats collapsed in Lagos, Nigeria. At least 25 people were killed. It is thought the accident was caused by poor construction. The building was under three years old. The building was residential one composed of 36 flats. Officials said that those responsible for the buildings collapse would be prosecuted. Building collapses in Lagos kill dozens yearly because of poor building and construction standards as well as poor materials.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

Rescue Operations were carried out by the Red Cross and local volunteers. Rain hampered efforts on the first night of searching. Altogether 50 people were found alive.

November

In November a building that was unfinished and still under construction collapsed. It was a three-story building that was being built built. Two construction workers were killed.

Rescue Operation and Casualties

The Red Cross led rescue efforts to find people. Twelve people were saved with only minor injuries. The first day of rescue efforts were slowed by the fact that no heavy equipment had been assigned for cleaning refuse and looking for bodies.

References

• The March collapse(scroll to halfway down page)
• Nigeria’s collapsed buildings cost lives as well as money
• The July collapse
• The November collapse

Photos

• The March collapse
• The July collapse rescue efforts