The Lagos State Government is set to probe the fire incident which occurred in a warehouse at Mile 2 in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, PUNCH Metro has learnt.
The probe is related to the chemical content stored in the affected warehouse, which is located within the industrial layout cited in the community.
A source within the state government, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment, said, “
The state government, particularly the governor, is taking a keen interest in the incident.
During the investigation into the probable cause of the fire, the response team established the fact that the fire started from a building behind the SAPID container terminal at Mile 2. Further investigation by the team established that several drums of chemicals and oils were stored inside the building. This, definitely, is the cause of the fire.
“Fortunately, as a result of the swift response of the agencies, there was no loss of life or any other form of casualty involved in the incident,” the statement partly read.
The warehouse sits on about an acre of land, with its entrance facing the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and backing the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The Controller-General of the state fire and rescue service, Margaret Adeseye, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the service responded to a distress call at 8:29 pm regarding the fire outbreak, while firefighting crews arrived at the scene promptly at 8:40 pm.
“Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota, and Alausa fire stations were immediately mobilised to combat the blaze. The affected warehouse was stocked with chemical materials stored in hundreds of 200-litre drums, posing a significant risk.
“Through swift and coordinated intervention, the fire was brought under control, preventing further escalation and damage to adjoining facilities,” she stated.
While noting that no casualties were recorded, Adeseye added that the cause of the fire outbreak was yet to be ascertained, as investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges residents and business owners to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations at all times,” the statement added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the probable cause of the fire was linked to the chemicals stored in the facility. He, however, noted that there was no casualty involved.
An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Dotun, told PUNCH Metro that the fire started from the part facing the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
The fire started on this side, which is the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, just beside the Lacasera company. At first, no one could gain access to assist because it was a weekend. It was later that the gate was opened and people tried all they could, but the fire was too much.”
Another resident in the area who did not want his name mentioned said the chemicals stored in the warehouse were exploding at intervals when the fire started.
“We could hear the sound of explosions at intervals while the building was burning. This even got people scared to move close to the scene in an attempt to assist before the fire got serious.”
Another eyewitness familiar with the facility said the chemicals stored were of different kinds, adding, “They are also stored in different sections of the warehouse.”
Source: Punch
