Sunday Inferno Engulfs Lagos Sawmill and Plank Market, Millions in Goods Lost as Firefighters Battle Blaze
In a devastating turn of events, a fire erupted on Sunday at a sawmill and plank market situated at Awori bus stop, Abule Egba, Lagos State, resulting in significant losses estimated in millions of naira. Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed the incident, revealing that the fire was ignited by a high-tension cable, setting ablaze the entire market area.
Blazing Sunday Afternoon: The Start of the Inferno
At approximately 16:20hrs on Sunday, emergency services received a distress call reporting the fire at the sawmill and plank market. LASEMA swiftly activated its response plans, dispatching the Igando zone to the scene, led by the LASEMA Response Unit from the agency’s hub at Cappa Base.
Upon arrival, the responders were met with a distressing sight—flames engulfing the sawmill, plank, and building material market at Awori bus stop. The preliminary investigation revealed that a high-tension cable had accidentally cut and fallen onto dry plywood, triggering an immediate ignition that rapidly escalated into a full-blown inferno.
Oke-Osanyintolu reported that the Distribution company was promptly contacted, leading to the disconnection of public electricity power supply to the entire area from the national grid. The LASEMA fire unit and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services mobilized swiftly to confront the fire and prevent its spread to nearby buildings.
Aggressive Battle Against the Blaze
The firefighting teams, armed with determination and resources, engaged in an aggressive battle against the blaze, aiming to curtail its reach and minimize the extent of the damage. The heat and intensity of the fire posed significant challenges, with the inferno consuming several shops whose contents were valued in millions of naira.
Oke-Osanyintolu acknowledged the valiant efforts of the LASEMA fire unit and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, emphasizing their commitment to containing the fire and preventing further devastation. Despite the aggressive response, the toll on the market was substantial, with numerous shops affected and goods worth millions of naira lost to the flames.
Goods and Livelihoods Lost, but No Lives Claimed
The fire’s impact extended beyond the monetary losses, reaching into the livelihoods of those who depended on the market for their daily commerce. While several shops succumbed to the ravaging flames, it was a relief that no lives were lost in the incident. The safety of individuals remained a priority as emergency responders worked diligently to manage the crisis.
“The inferno is gradually being curtailed and brought under control,” assured Oke-Osanyintolu, indicating a gradual progress in containing the blaze. The focus shifted toward salvaging what remained and preventing further destruction in the aftermath of the fire.
Investigations Point to High-Tension Cable as Culprit
As the firefighting efforts continued, investigations sought to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary findings indicated that a high-tension cable had severed and fallen onto dry plywood, creating the initial spark that led to the devastating inferno. The specifics of the cable malfunction and the circumstances leading to its contact with flammable materials will be subject to further scrutiny.
Immediate Measures: Disconnecting Power and Averting Further Damage
Upon discovering the fire’s origin, the Distribution company acted promptly to disconnect public electricity power supply to the affected area. This strategic move aimed to prevent the fire from gaining additional fuel and causing further damage. The cooperation between emergency services and utility providers played a crucial role in managing the crisis and ensuring the safety of the surrounding community.
Recovery and Reconstruction: A Long Road Ahead
As the fire gradually came under control, attention turned toward the recovery phase. Assessing the extent of the damage, determining the losses incurred by individual shop owners, and strategizing for the market’s reconstruction will be essential steps in the coming days. The resilient spirit of the affected community will undoubtedly play a role in rebuilding what was lost.
A Community Unites in the Face of Adversity
In the aftermath of the Sunday inferno at Awori bus stop, the community faces the challenging task of rebuilding and recovering from the significant losses. The solidarity displayed by emergency responders, utility providers, and the affected individuals themselves highlights the resilience of a community united in the face of adversity. As investigations continue and recovery efforts intensify, the determination to rise from the ashes becomes a beacon of hope for those impacted by this tragic incident.
