Lagos, Nigeria—Emergency crews recovered nine bodies from the wreckage of a collapsed residential building on Wednesday. The structure gave way during the early hours of the morning. Witnesses heard a loud crack before the floors pancaked. Debris buried the bottom level where several families slept.

Local responders arrived within the hour. They used heavy equipment to clear slabs of concrete. Other residents joined the effort with shovels and bare hands. The air remained thick with dust as the search continued. Crowds gathered behind police cordons to wait for news.

Officials confirmed the death toll by midday. Hospital staff admitted four survivors in critical condition. Medical teams are treating them for fractures and internal injuries. Others escaped with minor scrapes. The building housed at least twenty people.

The site is a densely populated district in Lagos. Neighbors claim the structure showed signs of instability for months. Cracks in the foundation were visible to those living nearby. Landlords allegedly ignored warnings from local inspectors.

Heavy rains have battered the city for weeks. This weather likely weakened the already aging foundation. Engineers are currently assessing nearby properties for similar risks. They fear the rainfall could trigger more structural failures.

Government representatives pledged a full inquiry. They intend to audit building permits in the surrounding block. The state governor promised to prosecute anyone found negligent in the construction process. Past events have led to similar vows with little change.

Rescuers moved to the final stages of the search late Wednesday. They detected no further signs of life under the concrete. Families of the deceased wait at a makeshift center for identification. The area remains a crime scene until further notice.

Recovery teams are shifting toward clearing the site. Investigators are documenting every floor and beam. They aim to determine if substandard materials caused the sudden fall. The work will proceed through the night.