Deborah Akinyosoye
A fire involving chemical and oil drums broke out on Saturday at a building behind the SAPID Container Terminal in the Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, prompting an ongoing multi-agency emergency response.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and LRU Fire Services, mobilised personnel to contain the blaze and prevent its spread to nearby facilities.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said preliminary investigations indicate that the fire originated from a storage building adjacent to the terminal.
The presence of highly combustible materials, including chemical and oil drums, contributed to the rapid escalation of the fire.
“The fire is still raging due to the nature of materials stored in the affected building. However, our teams and those of partner agencies are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control and prevent further spread to nearby structures,” Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He confirmed that emergency responders acted swiftly, deploying the LASEMA Eagle Response Team to coordinate firefighting operations alongside other agencies.
“Fortunately, due to the swift and coordinated response of all agencies involved, no lives were lost and no casualties were recorded,” he added.
The responders and Lagos State authorities remain on site, maintaining a perimeter around the affected area and monitoring the fire’s progression.
Residents and businesses in the surrounding industrial estate have been urged to remain calm and follow instructions from emergency personnel as containment efforts continue.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA and partner agencies are prioritising the protection of nearby structures while ensuring the safety of emergency workers and the public.