After five days of thorough search, the remains of the drainage worker trapped in the underground tunnel were recovered by rescuers on Friday, Punch Metro has learnt.
This publication reported that a yet-to-be-identified drainage worker employed by LAMATA was trapped in an underground tunnel at Onipanu Bus Stop, Lagos while clearing the clogged drainage in the area.
Our correspondent observed that one of the firemen on the rescue mission was pulled out unconscious after hours inside the tunnel. He was revived, and stabilised, before transportation to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
Confirming the update, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Agency, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the body was recovered around 6 pm on Friday.
The victim was identified as Mr. Tajudeen Amololo (Age-59). His remains have been “handed over to LAMATA (Drainducks) with The Nigeria Police force Ilupeju division officials for adequate action,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He added, “Emergency responders immediately began a rescue operation accessing the heavily silted and flooded tunnel which had lots of stormwater from the rains on Sunday, the previous night. In the process of the search and rescue operation on Monday 6th May 2024, a fireman from Lagos State Fire Service who suffocated in the underground drainage/tunnel was revived, stabilised by the Agency’s paramedics and immediately transported to LASUTH for adequate medical attention.
“Also on Tuesday 7th May 2024, a member of the LAMATA Drain Ducks got injured during a continuous search/rescue operation. He was immediately treated by the Agency’s paramedics.
“After five days of painstaking, tedious and energy-sapping operation, the team remained determined to focus on the rescue operation. At about 5:53 pm on Friday 10th May, 2024 the victim was recovered dead from the underground drainage/tunnel. The recovered body was immediately bagged by the Agency’s officials and handed over to LAMATA Drain Ducks.”
