A fire outbreak caused by a gas leak destroyed a two-storey building on Oduntan Street, Mushin, Lagos State, on Saturday, resulting in significant property damage estimated at millions of naira.
The building, located at number 21, housed two units of 3-bedroom flats. The fire began in the front flat on the second floor before spreading to the rear flat, engulfing the entire floor.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Nigeria Police collaborated to extinguish the blaze and manage the scene.
Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, stated that preliminary investigations revealed the fire was triggered by a gas leak from a cylinder in one of the flats on the second floor.
Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries reported.
“The swift response of LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team, the LRU Fire Unit, and other emergency services prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings,” Oke-Osanyintolu explained. “The Nigeria Police Force ensured crowd control and secured the area.”
The fire destroyed the roof, ceilings, and occupants’ personal belongings. Valuables and money recovered by LRU firefighters during the operation were promptly returned to their owners.
Residents of the affected building were educated on the safe use of gas cylinders, electrical appliances, and the importance of regular maintenance to prevent future incidents.
