Rescuers pulled 15 bodies from the rubble of the collapsed Great Nigeria House in Balogun Market on Tuesday morning, yet none showed signs of life, an eyewitness reported as the crisis entered its eighth day.
A man at the scene captured the heartbreaking moment in a viral video.
“They brought out 15 bodies this morning, but they’re all dead,” he stated plainly.
He emphasized that many others remain trapped deep inside the structure.
Furthermore, he lambasted the Lagos State Government for its sluggish rescue operations.
The devastating fire broke out on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, rapidly engulfing the multi-storey commercial plaza and triggering a partial collapse.
Since then, desperate families have clustered outside the site, enduring days of agony while awaiting word on trapped relatives.
Meanwhile, the inferno continues to smolder underground, severely hindering access and recovery efforts.
Eyewitnesses voiced mounting frustration over the delayed deployment of heavy machinery and coordinated searches, highlighting a perceived lack of urgency from authorities.
Outrage has swelled across social media, with citizens sharply criticizing the Lagos State Government’s response as inadequate and slow.
Many demand greater accountability and improved emergency preparedness in Nigeria’s key commercial district.
As rescue teams press on amid fading hope for survivors, the tragedy underscores persistent vulnerabilities in urban safety and disaster management.
