A fire outbreak at Alayabiagba Market in Boundary, Ajegunle, Lagos, has destroyed at least 11 shops, resulting in losses worth millions of naira.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly began in a gas retailer’s shop due to a gas cylinder leakage that triggered an explosion, spreading rapidly to nearby shops.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed the tragic incident.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu, emergency responders were alerted through the state’s 767/112 toll-free emergency numbers at 9:20 am and promptly arrived at the scene by 9:37 am.
“In response to distress calls, LASEMA activated its Onipanu Base response team. Upon arrival, it was observed that multiple shops at Alayabiagba Market were engulfed in flames,” the statement read.
Investigations revealed the fire started due to a gas leakage in a shop storing various sizes of gas cylinders. The explosion rapidly spread to adjacent shops selling clothing, phones, PVC pipes, and other daily needs.
The collaborative efforts of LASEMA’s cobra team and Lagos firefighters managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings. The blaze was eventually extinguished.
A total of 11 shops were affected, including two gas retailer shops and nine others selling various goods. Properties worth millions of naira were lost in the inferno.
LASEMA reassured the public of its dedication to swift emergency responses, emphasizing its commitment to minimizing damage and protecting lives and property during such incidents.