Lagos fires destroy goods worth millions of naira in Ikorodu, Surulere
Multiple Fire Incidents in Lagos Cause Significant Damages
LAGOS — Two separate fires broke out in the Ikorodu and Surulere areas of Lagos State on Monday, resulting in extensive damage to properties and goods valued in the millions of naira, as reported by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, disclosed the details in a statement issued earlier this week. The first incident occurred in the early hours at Adamo Bus Stop in Ikorodu, where a fire, believed to have originated from faulty electrical wiring, spread from a hairdressing shop to adjoining businesses.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, three shops were impacted, leading to substantial losses. Emergency responders from LASEMA and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service quickly arrived at the scene, managing to control and extinguish the fire. Preliminary investigations indicated that a spark from the electrical system ignited the roof of the hairdressing shop, causing the fire to spread.
Following the incident, responders conducted dampening operations to prevent a potential re-ignition. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.
In a separate incident later that morning, a fire engulfed two shops on Olatunde Onimole Street, near Bakery Bus Stop in Surulere. Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the businesses, which sold furniture and provisions, were completely destroyed along with their inventory. The cause of this fire remains under investigation, but, like the earlier incident, there were no reported injuries or fatalities. Dampening operations were also performed in this case to mitigate any risks of the fire reigniting.
Apart from the fire incidents, LASEMA teams responded to various road emergencies across Lagos over the weekend. On Sunday, the Alpha Eagle Response Team assisted a truck that had broken down at Olupese Bus Stop. The truck, transporting soft drinks, became immobile due to a mechanical failure, leading to traffic disruption. LASEMA coordinated with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigeria Police to successfully remove the truck and restore traffic flow.
Additionally, LASEMA’s LRT Tiger Squad responded to a traffic accident on the Third Mainland Bridge involving a commercial bus that overturned after a tire burst. Medical personnel provided immediate assistance to those affected, and the vehicle was towed to a LASTMA facility.
On Monday morning, the Alpha Eagle Team attended to a tanker breakdown on Ilupeju Road. The empty tanker, which obstructed traffic due to mechanical issues, was evacuated with assistance from the Nigeria Police and LASEMA’s recovery equipment, allowing traffic to resume smoothly.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu praised the emergency responders for their professionalism and effective coordination during these incidents, highlighting the collaborative efforts among teams from LASTMA, LASAMBUS, the Nigeria Police, and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps. He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enhancing emergency response through investment in training and modern equipment.
Oke-Osanyintolu also urged residents to maintain their vehicles properly and adhere to electrical safety standards to help minimize the risk of avoidable emergencies.
