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A devastating fire broke out on Tuesday in the Ita Amodu area of Ilorin, Kwara State, causing extensive damage to property.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the fire, which reportedly began around 10 am at the Ile Bilewu, Alabi-Owo Junction, was triggered by a collision between a truck loaded with mattresses and a high-tension power line.
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The spark ignited a fire that quickly spread, engulfing nearby buildings, including a structure housing 47 rooms and 19 shops at the building materials market.
The Kwara State Fire Service responded swiftly to the scene, where they encountered a massive blaze originating from the lorry.
According to the Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, the fire spread rapidly due to the highly flammable nature of the mattresses on the truck.
The fire extended to the building, affecting several rooms and shops, but the Fire Service managed to prevent further destruction.
They saved 31 rooms and 12 shops, although 16 rooms and seven shops were severely damaged.
The situation worsened when an explosion from a nearby step-down transformer fueled the blaze, causing it to
spread further to adjacent buildings. Despite the intensity of the fire, firefighters worked tirelessly to control the situation and minimize damage.
Adekunle praised the collaborative efforts of the local residents, noting that their support played a crucial role in helping contain the fire and ensuring the safety of people in the vicinity.
In addition to the efforts of the residents, the Nigeria Police Force provided essential protection for the firefighters, who faced interference from hoodlums attempting to disrupt the operation.
The presence of the police ensured the safety of the emergency personnel and allowed them to focus on extinguishing the fire.
The Fire Service also expressed gratitude to media outlets for their timely updates, which kept the public informed and helped manage panic during the incident.
John Falade, the Service Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
He highlighted the critical need for caution, especially when handling flammable materials and working near power lines.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards of such situations and the need for effective safety protocols.
The fire has left traders and residents in the area facing significant losses.
Many are now calling for stricter safety regulations and more efficient response mechanisms to avoid future disasters of this magnitude.
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