A fierce blaze engulfed three buildings at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Docemo in the bustling Idumota area of Lagos Island, Lagos State, on Wednesday. Videos shared by netizens captured the intensity of the fire, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The state Fire and Rescue Service swiftly responded to the incident, confirming the devastation through its official channels. According to the service, the fire wreaked havoc on two two-storey buildings and one three-storey building, posing a significant challenge to firefighting efforts.
Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, issued a statement, detailing the response efforts. She stated, “Upon arrival at 07:58 hours, it was discovered that the fire encompasses three buildings, including two 2-storey structures and one three-storey building. Currently, firefighting efforts are underway at the scene.”
Adeseye emphasized the deployment of resources from multiple fire stations, including Ebute Elefun, Ilupeju, and Alausa, to combat the inferno effectively. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances leading to the blaze.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far, offering a glimmer of relief amid the chaos. Adeseye urged residents to cooperate with emergency personnel and steer clear of the area to ensure their safety.
The incident evokes memories of past tragedies, such as the devastating fire that ravaged the popular Mandilas building on Broad Street in January. The loss of goods and property in that incident underscored the vulnerability of commercial establishments to fire outbreaks in densely populated areas.