LASEMA rescues residents trapped in elevator at Banana Island apartment

Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Tuesday rescued residents who were trapped inside an elevator at an apartment building in Banana Island, Lagos, after being stuck for more than an hour.

 

The incident drew public attention after a video circulated widely on social media showing the occupants raising alarm while trapped inside the lift.

 

In the footage, the residents appeared visibly distressed and sweating as they pleaded for help.

 

A social media user who shared the video claimed the incident occurred in an apartment complex located near the Banana Island School Apartment.

 

According to the individual, the trapped residents had contacted the landlord’s daughter to seek assistance but were reportedly told that the building management would look into the situation.

 

“We are currently trapped inside the lift at the Banana Island School apartment. We have been stuck here for almost 40 minutes,” one of the occupants said in the video.

 

“We are suffocating in here and no one seems to be doing anything about it.”

 

Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the occupants were eventually rescued through a coordinated emergency response.

 

He explained that LASEMA personnel worked alongside the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to free the trapped residents.

 

“When the agency received the distress call, we immediately mobilised with the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and NEMA. Through the joint effort, the occupants were rescued successfully,” he said.

 

Oke-Osanyintolu added that the affected residents were attended to at the scene and reassured after the rescue operation.

 

He also advised residents to report faulty or malfunctioning elevators to the appropriate authorities.

 

“Lagos residents should notify the safety commission or the fire services so the appropriate authorities can address the matter,” he said.