Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Lagos State Governor on New Media, has revealed the cause of the fire outbreak at the popular Balogun market in the state
Gawat said the fire started after someone, possibly a trader, attempted to refuel his generator while it was on. An explosion ensued and the fire immediately started spreading.
Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, spokesman, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said a total of seven buildings were affected while two of the affected buildings has collapsed.
Oke-Osanyintolu said: “This fire has escalated to adjoining buildings totaling seven (7) in number and now is being contained by the Emergency responders-Lagos State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service and NPA Fire Service.
“Seven buildings are affected and one has collapsed. All responders are on ground and progress is being made. We urge for calm and will provide further updates.”
It was learnt that the men of the state fire service are still at the scene trying to put out the fire.
Earlier, The Herald reported that barely 24 hours after fire gutted a shopping complex on Martin Street, Lagos Island area of Lagos state, Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday, November 6, visited the scene.
During the visit, Sanwo-Olu said that he spoke with the victims as well as the emergency workers at the scene. The governor tweeted from the visit on his official handle.
The tweet read: “I visited the scene of the unfortunate fire incident at Balogun Market and spoke directly with the victims and emergency services. We will provide support and relief packages to the affected individuals.
“This fire incident was caused by factors that could have been avoided and even though emergency services were on ground promptly. The building could not be rescued due to congestion and other issues.
“This experience is regrettable but we must all take the learnings. Safety awareness and practices involve everyone. Clearly, we will need to complete the modern and safer market project in the area because this inferno has disrupted commercial activities and exchanges in one of the most popular markets in Nigeria.”