Man Escapes Death After Falling Into 80-Foot Well in Lagos

In a harrowing incident that could have ended in tragedy, a 56-year-old man escaped death after falling into an 80-foot well in the Ikotun area of Lagos State. The unidentified man was pulled to safety by the swift intervention of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) over the weekend.

The LSFRS confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday by its Senior Public Affairs Officer, Maria Fadairo. According to her, the man had been working inside the well before he became trapped. His ordeal, which occurred at House 12, Aiyeola Street, off Governor Road, Molad Bus Stop, within the Ikotun-Igando Local Council Development Area, drew a rapid response from emergency services.

“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ejigbo Station, received a distress call over the weekend reporting an individual trapped inside a well,” Fadairo stated.

Rescue Drama Unfolds in Ikotun as Man Escapes Death Thanks to Lagos Fire Service

Upon arriving at the scene, rescue personnel found the man stuck at the bottom of the deep, narrow structure. The well, estimated to be about 80 feet deep, posed a serious challenge, but through a coordinated and efficient operation, the firefighters were able to pull the man out alive.

Initial investigations into the incident indicate that negligence may have played a significant role in the accident. The victim, believed to be working without proper safety measures, had reportedly descended into the well without informing safety authorities or using adequate protective equipment.

Fadairo explained that the well was located at the rear of a bungalow comprising eight rooms on a plot of approximately 648 square meters. “The incident might have resulted from negligence,” she noted, urging Lagos residents to always contact the fire service or appropriate agencies before attempting any high-risk activity such as entering a deep well or confined space.

Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, emphasized the importance of pre-incident notifications. “We urge members of the public to notify us or other safety agencies when hazardous tasks are being considered. Early involvement can prevent tragedies and save lives,” she advised.

For the unnamed man, the incident could have easily ended in disaster. Falling into such a deep well poses a multitude of dangers including suffocation, injury from impact, dehydration, and even death due to prolonged exposure. That he escaped death is largely credited to the quick response from the Ejigbo Fire Station.

The firefighters, trained for high-risk rescues, lowered safety equipment and worked carefully to stabilize and extract the victim. Their efforts not only saved the man’s life but also prevented further complications that could have arisen had the rescue been delayed.

Photos released by LSFRS showed emergency personnel gathered at the scene, using ropes, harnesses, and communication tools to ensure the rescue was carried out effectively and safely.

This incident follows a similar case reported in Oyo State just last month. On June 8, a 68-year-old man in Ibadan fell into a deep well while attempting to retrieve his lost mobile phone at Mobolorunduro mosque, Molefalafia, in the Oke-Ado area. He too was rescued by firefighters and handed over to his family for medical treatment.

Authorities say these incidents highlight a concerning pattern of avoidable accidents tied to unsafe practices and a lack of awareness around occupational safety.

Public safety advocates are calling for increased awareness campaigns on the dangers of working in confined or high-risk spaces without proper safety protocols. Community leaders and residents alike are being urged to report unsafe working conditions and contact relevant agencies before initiating such tasks.

Environmental and safety officials in Lagos have also been tasked with conducting inspections and offering guidance to prevent future incidents of this nature. They say the goal is to ensure that cases where a man escapes death or other close calls do not become a regular occurrence.

While the 56-year-old man’s survival is a relief to his community and family, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service views the incident as a teachable moment. Residents are reminded that emergency services are available and trained for these exact situations—and that involving them in advance can mean the difference between life and death.

Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the Ejigbo rescue team, this particular story ended with hope and not tragedy. But officials stress that prevention, not just reaction, should be the focus going forward.

Source- Punchng