…. as eyewitness claims electric spark from prepaid meter cable triggered the fire

… LASEMA says no casualties as incident leaves one firefighter injured

Oreoluwa Adeayo

Gadgets worth several millions of naira were destroyed in the early hours of Tuesday when a fire engulfed a one-storey commercial building housing computer and accessories dealers on Somoye Street, off Medical Road, in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.

An eyewitness, Friday Oshukunoriame informed Advisors Reports that the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m on Tuesday, adding that the affected building is a major hub for the sale of phones, laptops, iPads, iMacs and other computer accessories.

He noted that the fire was triggered by an electrical spark from prepaid meter cables mounted on a pole which supplied power to the main building.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), revealed that it received a distress call via its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines at about 1:55 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of its response team.

 Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said responders arrived at the scene around 2:15 a.m. and observed intense fire engulfing the one-storey commercial structure used primarily for the storage and sale of computers and accessories.

“The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of the fire,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

He added that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings.

“However, many gadgets were burnt, and a significant portion of the building was damaged.

“No lives were lost in the incident, although one Lagos State firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation.

“A physical assessment of the building revealed partial structural compromise, and authorities have recommended an immediate structural integrity evaluation,” the LASEMA boss said.