Lagos fire: International airport temporary evacuated

A spark from a burning lithium inverter battery installed at the basement of the international wing of the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos that snowballed into fire early Wednesday morning, resulted in pandemonium that prompted the evacuation of occupiers of the Nigeria premier gateway airport temporarily.

The parlour state of the terminal has become a source of worry to travellers with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, directing its shutdown from October 1st 2023 to allow for its rehabilitation during a visit to the terminal last week.

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Eye witnessed told Blueprint correspondent that those who arrived the facility had to run for safety when news filtered in on the various floors as smokes from the inferno bellowed into the sky.

An electronic statement from the airport management agency, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), confirmed incident but explained that its rescue and fire safety department promptly extinguished the inferno.

FAAN Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, said, “At approximately 0723 hours this morning (Wednesday), a suspected electrical spark at the baggage hall ceiling caused the smoke incident that was reported at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, located in Ikeja, Lagos. The source of the smoke was identified as burning lithium inverter battery installation at the basement.

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“Promptly responding to the situation at 0730hrs, the dedicated firefighters from the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the Electrical Department of the Authority, initiated immediate action. Their swift response and professional efforts have successfully brought the situation under control.

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“In accordance with our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of passengers, staff, and all airport users, the Terminal building was promptly evacuated due to the smoke that had permeated some areas of the facility.

“We are pleased to report that the situation is presently under control,” the spokesman told journalists in Lagos.” (Blueprint)