The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has provided new insights into the fire that erupted in the Tejuosho NTA 10 area of Lagos State on Wednesday.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed that the blaze originated from one of the rooms where a resident had left their cooking unattended.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oke-Osanyintolu detailed that the fire, which began around 12:30 pm, rapidly spread through the community, fueled by the wooden shanties prevalent in the area.
Initial reports had indicated that a gas explosion had triggered the fire, which subsequently engulfed over 300 wooden structures.
The NTA reported, “A gas explosion occurred at Tejuosho NTA Channel 10 axis, razing over 300 shanties. Residents and business owners are counting their losses.”
However, LASEMA’s investigation revealed that the actual cause was an unattended cooking fire, which quickly spread to nearby wooden blocks along the canal, intensifying the destruction.
Fortunately, Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that there were no injuries or fatalities as a result of the incident.
He noted that the fire has been effectively combated, contained, and prevented from spreading to adjacent buildings, including the NTA facility, Oba Tejuosho House, and nearby residential estates.
The process of dampening down has begun, and operations are still ongoing.
“Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, received distress calls via it’s 767 and 112 Toll Free Emergency numbers at 1219hours and activated the Lagos State Emergency Response Plans.
“Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was discovered that several wooden shanties along Tejuosho canal (comprising of shops and residences) were gutted by fire.
“Investigations at the incident scene revealed that the fire started from one of the rooms where a member of the community who was cooking had left the meal unattended on the fire.
“Further investigations revealed that when the fire broke out, it quickly spread to several wooden blocks along the canal.
“Fortunately no injuries were sustained, and no loss of life.
“Action Taken: the fire has been combated, curtailed and prevented from spreading to adjoining buildings like NTA, Oba Tejuosho house, and other residential estates nearby.
“Dampening down has commenced and operation is still ongoing.
“In Attendance: Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Honourable Suliamon, LASEMA Response Team, LASAMBUS, Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, LNSC and NPF ,” the statement read
