Lagos, Nigeria—Rescue teams concluded operations in Alakija on Friday after recovering nine bodies from a collapsed three-story shopping complex. The structure gave way on Thursday morning along the busy Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Twenty-seven survivors were pulled from the wreckage and moved to nearby hospitals for emergency care.

The building served as a hub for local merchants and customers. Witnesses described a sudden, thunderous crumble that sent clouds of dust across the road. Many victims were trapped beneath heavy concrete slabs and iron rods for hours.

Emergency responders worked through the night using heavy machinery to lift debris. Officials from the state emergency management agency led the multi-agency effort. They utilized specialized equipment to locate those signaling for help from under the foundation.

Most of the deceased were small business owners working on the ground floor. A toddler was among those confirmed dead. Their families gathered near the site on Friday as authorities began the grim task of identifying the bodies.

Experts have long criticized building standards in the rapidly expanding satellite towns of Lagos. Aging infrastructure and the use of substandard materials are common triggers for such disasters. The state government has ordered a formal inquiry into the structural integrity of the complex.

Rescue workers faced significant challenges navigating the unstable pile of steel and stone. The narrow streets of Alakija hampered the movement of large cranes, forcing crews to rely on manual labor. Local contractors and volunteers assisted in the final search phase.

Questions remain regarding building permits and recent renovations. Inspectors are now visiting surrounding structures to assess their risk levels. Residents in the neighborhood fear this incident is a symptom of broader regulatory failures.

Operations have shifted toward clearing the site entirely. Police are maintaining a barrier to protect the area while forensic teams photograph the debris. The cause of the sudden collapse has not yet been determined.