Tall & Urban News

On 1 November, a 21-stoy high-rise building collapsed in the Ikoyi neighborhood of Lagos. It was one of three buildings that were being developed by real estate firm Fourscore Homes for the 360° Towers complex. In June, 44B Gerrard Road was cordoned off due to its failure to meet structural specifications. The head of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki, explained that inferior materials were being used on the project which caused the construction to be halted. The workers were only recently allowed to continue work on the project. 

The day after the collapse, nine men were saved, and 20 deaths were confirmed. On 9 November, it was reported that a total of 15 people managed to survive the tragedy, but 44 people were confirmed dead. The rescue team has already reached the ground floor, so the possibilities of more bodies trapped in the rubble has been ruled out.

The governor of Lagos has indefinitely suspended Oki as a first step of responding to this collapse. There are plans to convene an independent panel of engineers and architecture groups who will investigate the collapse. The officials are asserting that investigation will be thorough and transparent. Prosecution will be dealt to any individuals who are found to be liable for the collapse. 

For more on this story, go to The New York Times and AllAfrica.