Toll in Nigeria building collapse now 40

The toll in Friday's building collapse in Lagos, the main commercial city of Nigeria, has risen to 40, a rescue official said Sunday.

The dead count is now 40, while at least 130 people have been rescued alive, Xinhua quoted National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) spokesperson Ibrahim Farinloye as saying.

However, authorities could not put the exact number of those injured in the collapse of the popular Synagogue Church Guest House in Lagos Friday.

Rescue teams have been searching for more survivors at the scene.

There is possibility that some people could still be trapped in the rubble, officials said.

What caused the collapse remains unclear and an investigation is underway.

Building collapses are not uncommon in Nigeria and they occur due to poor construction practices.

--Indo-AsiaN News Service

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