By Damilare Adeleye
No fewer than 9 vehicles were razed when a fire outbreak engulfed a Mobil petrol station located at Allen Roundabout near Airport Hotel, Ikeja, at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Lagos on Thursday.
The incident, which happened at about 11:00 am, also reportedly affected parts of the uppermost floor of a nearby two-storey building.
Confirming the fire incident, Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said a gas truck was discharging its content into a surface storage tank when it ignited.
According to her, several individuals sustained injuries and were transported to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for treatment.
She, however, said the exact number of those that sustained injuries is still being determined, and updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
“At approximately 10:49 AM today, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a fire incident at the Mobil filling station, Allen Roundabout, near Airport Hotel. The fire involved a gas truck at the filling station, prompting an immediate response from the Alausa and Ikeja Fire Stations.
“Upon arrival, the fire crews discovered that a gas truck was discharging its content into a surface storage tank when it ignited. The blaze quickly spread, engulfing a total of eight vehicles, including the tanker itself, and affecting parts of the uppermost floor of a nearby two-storey building,” Adeseye said in a statement.
“In addition to the swift response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, other agencies were present at the scene to assist in managing the situation. These agencies include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Mobil Fire Unit from Apapa, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
“The fire service teams from Alausa and Ikeja fire station worked swiftly to control the fire. As of the latest update, the process of dampening down the affected area is ongoing. The lagos State fire and Rescue Service is committed to safety and well-being of all residents and urges the Public to exercise caution around flammable materials and follow safety guidelines at all times.”