Two Firefighters Injured as Electrical Surge Sparks Fire in Lagos Residential Building

Two first responders were hospitalized on Sunday after collapsing while battling a major fire that tore through a three-story residential building in the Ketu-Ikosi area of Lagos State.

According to an official statement issued by Olawale Afolabi, spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the emergency call was received around 6:31 a.m. The blaze affected one section of a pair of twin three-story buildings located on Ademola Taiwo Street.

Emergency responders arriving at the scene observed that the fire had fully engulfed the top floor of the structure. A coordinated effort between the LASEMA response team and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service managed to contain the inferno, preventing the flames from spreading to the adjoining twin building and neighboring properties.

A preliminary assessment indicated that the fire was triggered by an electrical surge originating from a prepaid meter situated on the front balcony of the building, which quickly spread to the upper floor.

During the intense containment operation, two personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service collapsed. Both individuals were quickly evacuated by emergency vehicles to a local trauma center for immediate medical treatment. Officials confirmed that both firefighters are currently in stable condition.

Fortunately, no civilian casualties or injuries were reported. First responders remained on the scene to conduct dampening-down operations to cool residual heat and secure the structural integrity of the building.

Following the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged the public to routinely inspect electrical wiring and prepaid meters to minimize the risk of hazardous surges. Residents were also reminded to utilize the state’s toll-free emergency lines in the event of future hazards.