A fire outbreak in the early hours of Tuesday has destroyed about 18 shops at a complex around the Pump and Sell axis, Ajah, Lagos, destroying goods and threatening the livelihoods of several traders.
The fire reportedly started at about 12 a.m., according to witnesses at the scene, before spreading to adjoining shops.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and were able to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further and limiting the extent of damage to surrounding properties.
Traders and witnesses were seen lamenting the losses as they assessed the extent of the destruction. Some said several of the affected shops contained highly flammable materials, which may have contributed to the intensity and rapid spread of the fire.
One witness recounted how a trader who opened his shop discovered that everything inside had already been burnt.
The trader was reportedly forced to move away as the flames continued to spread.
Witnesses described the fire as intense, with flames quickly engulfing the affected shops. Some also expressed relief that security personnel in the area who were not inside the shops were able to remain safe.
There were differing accounts among witnesses about what may have triggered the outbreak.
Some suggested that it could have been caused by a light that was left on overnight, while another witness ruled out a power outage, saying the area usually has electricity.
Some of the affected businesses reportedly dealt in glue, ephostic gum, electrical materials and automobile-related products, which witnesses said may have contributed to the intensity of the blaze.
However, the cause of the fire has not yet been established.
