Seven buildings and 30 shops razed by fire in Lagos

Atleast seven buildings and 30 shops have been razed by fire on Saturday at popular Ladipo street in Mushin, Lagos.

WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the fire started around 3pm inside a mattress shop at 16, Ladipo street.

It was learnt that the fire rapidly spread to other structures as a result of the closeness of the buildings to the shop.

According to report, the officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU) could not combat the inferno easily despite their timely arrivals due to the large crowd.

Reports have it that affected properties included a storey building, 30 shops and six bungalows.

According to the LASEMA, the storey building had six rooms and four shops; five bungalows with 26 shops; a bungalow with a three- bedroom flat.

According to the LASEMA Director General (DG), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the crowd posed operational challenges by refusing to listen to the authorities and ensure appropriate distance for the officials to function.

He said the fire was later contained and firemen dampened the area to prevent a secondary occurrence.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the affected structures were pulled down as a result of visible cracks on them which could result  in their collapse if allowed to stand.

“The affected buildings have been completely demolished. A secondary incident has been averted; operation concluded and response team heading back to base.

“There was no loss of lives or injury. The public is advised to take reasonable safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks in their places of business and homes,” he said.