The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has contained three fire incidents in Lagos Island, Ojodu Berger and Mushin, while preventing a possible explosion after a petrol tanker carrying 45,000 litres of petrol fell at Ballet Bus Stop, inward Isolo.
The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in separate statements on Thursday, adding that no deaths were recorded in the incidents.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the first fire occurred at about 1.38 pm at Folashade Tinubu Ojo Ebute-Ero Market, Gorodom, affecting storage shops in a storey building. The fire reportedly started on the ground floor before spreading upstairs.
He said LASEMA’s Sharks Team, alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Central Business District crew, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the police, worked together to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining shops and buildings.
According to him, the intervention saved goods and property worth hundreds of millions of naira. An adult male who fell from the building during the incident was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while efforts continued to secure the affected area.
The second incident occurred at 3Pots by 217 Lounge, located at 71 Obokun Avenue, off Baale Street, Ojodu Berger. Preliminary findings indicated that an electrical surge involving an air-conditioning unit on the top floor of the two-storey building triggered the fire.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the fire destroyed property on the top floor but was prevented from spreading to the lower floors and neighbouring buildings. He added that the fire was extinguished, recovery operations completed and no casualties recorded.
In Mushin, a fire broke out at a shop at 34 Ladipo Street at about 4.07 pm before spreading to three adjoining shops. The agency said preliminary investigations suggested that the fire started when public electricity supply was restored.
LASEMA’s Alpha Eagle Team from Cappa collaborated with the LRU Fire Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the police to contain the blaze. No deaths or injuries were reported, and dampening-down operations were completed.
Meanwhile, the agency responded to a petrol tanker accident at Ballet Bus Stop, inward Isolo, at about 4.46 pm. The tanker, which was carrying 45,000 litres of petrol, fell sideways while its driver reportedly attempted to avoid a collision with an oncoming truck overtaking from behind. A Mercedes-Benz 4Matic Jeep was also involved in the incident.
The accident obstructed traffic and caused petrol to spill from one of the tanker’s compartments, prompting LASEMA to close the road, control crowds and activate safety measures to prevent a possible explosion.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service applied foam to the tanker and affected area to suppress fumes. An empty tanker was also deployed to transfer the remaining petrol, while a private tow truck was kept on standby to recover the fallen vehicle.
He said the scene remained secured as the fuel transfer continued, with no casualties recorded.
The permanent secretary urged traders and residents to ensure proper electrical connections and avoid overloading circuits. He also advised truck drivers to obey traffic regulations and avoid reckless overtaking.
Residents were encouraged to report emergencies through LASEMA’s toll-free lines, 112 and 767, for prompt response.
