A gas explosion in a shanty has triggered a fire at Akanimodo Market in Mile 12, Lagos, but no deaths or injuries were recorded, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says.
The agency said the explosion ignited combustible materials inside the structure, causing the fire to spread quickly to adjoining buildings made mainly of wooden planks and other flammable materials.
In a statement, LASEMA said bystanders initially attempted to put out the fire before the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived and extinguished it.
The agency said congestion and limited access to the market initially made it difficult for firefighters to reach the affected area.
However, its Response Team coordinated the operation and worked with other emergency and security agencies to manage the situation.
Firefighters later carried out dampening down operations to eliminate remaining flames and hotspots, while security personnel controlled the crowd and restricted access to the affected area.
LASEMA said a final inspection found no remaining flames or immediate fire risks.
It added that traders and affected residents were advised on the safe handling and storage of cooking gas cylinders and other cooking materials.
The agency confirmed that all emergency operations had been completed and its response team had returned to base.
It urged traders and residents to observe fire safety rules and avoid unsafe cooking practices, particularly in congested areas and structures built with flammable materials.
LASEMA also reminded residents that emergencies can be reported through the state’s toll free lines, 767 and 112.
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