A section of the Okokomaiko Police Station, located in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, was engulfed by a fire caused by a diesel tanker explosion.
The incident, which occurred while the tanker was discharging 10,000 litres of diesel to a network mast, was confirmed by Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the tanker caught fire during the discharge process, spreading flames to nearby buildings, including the police station.
LASEMA’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), activated through distress calls via the state’s 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines, arrived at the scene to contain the situation.
The statement detailed, “The Agency’s LRT, in collaboration with other responders, curtailed the fire with minimal damage to the Okokomaiko Police Station and adjoining buildings.”
Despite the swift response, the fire caused significant property losses. A breakdown of the damages includes:
A diesel tanker containing 10,000 litres of fuel.
Nine offices within the police station affected.
Three bungalows completely destroyed, along with household items worth hundreds of thousands of naira.
One lock-up shop and four containerised shops burned down.
Damage to a generator house and kitchen belonging to a nearby hotel.
Cables of a nearby PHCN transformer affected.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no injuries were recorded. Heavy-duty equipment, including a Hiab crane, was deployed to manage the aftermath of the fire and ensure safety in the affected area.
Preliminary investigations suggest negligence may have contributed to the fire’s escalation. Authorities have initiated further investigations to determine the exact cause and prevent a recurrence.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols during fuel discharge operations, especially in densely populated areas.