Reports have emerged that the Lagos State government plans to investigate the recent fire incident at a warehouse in Mile 2, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of the state.
Sources within the government circles told reporters that the probe will centre on the nature of the chemical substances stored in the facility, which is situated within an industrial layout.
The state government, particularly the governor, is reported to be taking a keen interest in the incident, particularly in view of the dangers posed by the chemicals and concerns about safety of residents.
“Efforts are also ongoing to identify the owner of the warehouse and commence an investigation into the chemical content, and to ascertain the level of emergency measures put in place before the fire incident.
“The probe is being initiated over safety concerns about the type and volume of chemicals kept in the warehouse,” our source said on Thursday.
Margaret Adeseye, controller-general of the Lagos State fire and rescue service, said the agency received a distress call at about 8:29 pm on Sunday.
Adeseye said firefighters arrived at the scene at 8:40 pm.
She revealed that crews from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota and Alausa fire stations were immediately deployed to tackle the blaze.
“The affected warehouse was stocked with chemical materials stored in hundreds of 200-litre drums, posing a significant risk.”
She said the fire was brought under control through “swift and coordinated intervention”, preventing damage to adjoining facilities.
Adeseye added that although no casualties were recorded, the cause of the fire was yet to be determined.
“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges residents and business owners to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations at all times,” she said.
Meanwhile, Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), said preliminary findings indicated that chemicals stored in a warehouse triggered the fire.
He explained that the first responders established that the fire originated from a structure located behind the SAPID Container Terminal at Mile 2.
“Further investigation by the team established that several drums of chemicals and oils were stored inside the building, and this definitely is the cause of the fire.”
He added that the prompt response of emergency agencies prevented any loss of life.
“Eyewitnesses in the area said the fire started from the section of the warehouse facing the Apapa-Oshodi expressway.
“The fire started on this side, which is the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, just beside the Lacasera company,” Dotun, an eyewitness, told newsmen.
“At first, no one could gain access to assist because it was a weekend, and by the time the gate was opened, the fire was already too much.”
Another resident said explosions were heard intermittently as the fire raged.
“We could hear the sound of explosions at intervals while the building was burning, which scared people from moving close to the scene,” the resident said.
A section of the building believed to house the administrative offices of the warehouse was partially affected by the fire.
