By Florencemary Nwabueze

A three-storey building mall has collapsed at Oluti Bus Stop along Old Ojo Road, opposite Eternal Oil Filling Station in Lagos, sparking panic and a major rescue operation.

The incident occurred around 10:00 am on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the community as residents, commuters, and business owners rushed to scene.

People describe the building as a mall where alot if businesses take place including selling of generator, cyber cafer, POS e.t.c

According to a police officer at the scene who spoke on condition of anonymity, approximately 12 people—including children and infants—have been rescued so far, while others were brought out dead. However, several others remain trapped beneath the rubble as emergency responders work tirelessly to reach them.

Emergency agencies including the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, military, Lagis state building control agency (LASBCA), LASEMA, LNSC, and other response teams are currently at the scene, with rescue operations ongoing.

Musa, an eyewitness who was passing by on his motorcycle, described the terrifying moment: "I was passing there going to Mile 2 when I suddenly heard noise behind me. I drove to the front quickly and then turned back and saw that the mall has collapsed."

Another eyewitness said"I was just arriving to the shop just outside not up to five minutes when I heard a loud noise with smoke everywhere. I carrying my child not knowing which direction to run to I escaped"

Another witness pointed to the rubble, saying: "Look, there is somebody's hand showing from that side. There is another person making a noise from under the building. A lot of people are still alive inside there."

A resident who pleaded anonymity revealed that warnings about the building's condition had been issued years ago: "My boss owns a cyber cafe inside the mall. Two years ago, he packed saying the building was giving signs that it would collapse."

Multiple witnesses confirmed that the building was old and had developed cracks as recently as Tuesday. Several residents also claimed that the Lagos State Government had previously marked the building with a red warning for evacuation.

The tragedy has already claimed lives. One grieving eyewitness stated: "My friend is dead inside there. He was about running out when the block hit him down. There are casualties."

Amid the devastation, there was a moment of relief when a boy was rescued alive from the rubble, prompting jubilation from the crowd gathered at the scene.

Many relatives of those still trapped are at the site, praying and pleading for intervention as rescue efforts continue.

All rescued victims and casualties has been taken to Navy Town Hospital Alakija.