Building collapses in Lagos killing two sisters

A building located in Low Cost Housing Estate, otherwise called Jakande estate, in Oke-Ake-Afa, Isolo area of  Lagos, collapsed, yesterday, killing two graduate sisters.

The mother of the dead girls, identified as Mrs Coker, a widow, who was brought out of the debris alive was, however, in coma yesterday. Affected were flats 2, 4 and 6 of the six flat low-cost houses built over 30 years ago. Read more after the cut:

 The building, Block M20, according to eye witnesses started showing cracks and sinking over a year ago. The tragic incident as gathered, occurred at about midnight causing  a deafening sound.

Vanguard gathered that while occupants in flats 2 and 4 managed to escape, those in flat 6 – Mrs Coker and her two children: Toyin, a graduate of the University of Lagos and her younger sister, Bukola, did not.

It was learnt that occupants of the collapsed building apparently ignored the warning signs of imminent danger which was evident since the past year. Tenants in flats two and six reportedly moved out some months ago, only for owner of flat two to lease the flat out to new occupants.

After the incident, youths in the area reportedly began a rescue mission. The body of Mrs Coker in her unconscious state was said to be the first to be brought out from the debris at about 3am and was immediately rushed to the estate health centre. Bukola’s body, in her night gown was reportedly brought out at about 5am, while that of  Toyin was brought out an hour later, stone dead. When Vanguard arrived the scene at about 8am, officials of NEMA and neighbourhood watch were sighted.

Firefighters arrived later.

Vanguard report.