METRO
Two Firefighters Hospitalised as Fire Guts Top Floor in Lagos
A residential building in Ketu-Ikosi, Lagos was partially destroyed on Sunday after a fire believed to have been caused by an electrical surge razed its top floor.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that two firefighters were taken to hospital after collapsing while battling the blaze.
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According to LASEMA spokesperson, Olawale Afolabi, the incident happened at about 6:31am at No. 11, Ademola Taiwo Street. The fire affected one of two connected three-storey buildings in the area.
Afolabi said initial investigations pointed to “an electrical surge from a prepaid meter located on the balcony at the front of the building” as the cause. The fire later spread to the uppermost floor.
He stated, “When the LASEMA Tiger Squad arrived, the top floor of one of the twin buildings was already on fire. Our team and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service immediately began operations to prevent it from spreading to the adjoining building and other nearby structures.”
In the course of the operation, two personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service slumped. LASEMA said they were evacuated to the Trauma Centre in the agency’s ambulance and a response vehicle.
“Both officers are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition,” Afolabi said.
The agency added that no resident was killed or injured.
“Thankfully, there was no loss of life or civilian injuries,” the statement noted.
As of Sunday evening, dampening-down and recovery efforts were ongoing to put out residual heat and evaluate the extent of damage to the building.
LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, praised emergency responders for their quick intervention, which he said averted a larger disaster.
He advised residents to routinely inspect electrical fittings, particularly prepaid meters and wiring, to prevent surges that could lead to fire outbreaks.
He also urged the public to remain calm during emergencies and to call the Lagos emergency lines 112 or 767 for assistance.
