A major fire outbreak in the Okokomaiko area of Lagos has caused extensive damage to the police station and several surrounding buildings, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Cause of the Fire
Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, permanent secretary of LASEMA, stated that the fire originated from a diesel tanker carrying 10,000 litres of fuel. The tanker reportedly caught fire while supplying diesel to a network mast near the police station.
The flames quickly spread, engulfing parts of the police station, three bungalows, a nearby hotel, and other structures in the area.
Emergency Response
LASEMA’s Emergency Response Team, alongside other agencies, including the Lagos State Fire Service, LASTMA, the Nigerian Army, and the police, responded swiftly to the distress calls.
“Following distress calls received via the 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines at 12:38 hrs, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans and its Emergency Response Team from the Igando Base,” Oke-Osanyintolu said in a statement.
Upon arrival, responders found the tanker ablaze and worked to contain the fire, preventing further destruction.
Extent of Damage
The fire caused significant damage to both public and private properties.
- Offices in the Okokomaiko police station were destroyed.
- Three bungalows were completely burnt, along with household items worth hundreds of thousands of naira.
- One lock-up shop and four containerized shops were gutted.
- A generator house and kitchen of a nearby hotel were also affected, along with cables of a nearby PHCN transformer.
No Casualties Reported
Despite the extensive damage, Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that no lives were lost, and no injuries were reported during the incident.
Coordination and Investigation
The quick intervention of emergency response teams helped to mitigate the fire and limit its spread to other structures. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the tanker fire and assess potential negligence.
Affected Residents Seek Support
Residents and businesses affected by the fire have called for assistance in rebuilding their properties and recovering from the losses incurred.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with handling flammable substances in populated areas, emphasizing the need for stringent safety protocols and oversight during such operations.
