A serious fire ripped through a major market building in Lagos. The blaze happened at the Great Nigeria Insurance House in the Balogun Market area. An unspecified number of traders are thought to be trapped inside the plaza, which is known for selling clothes and shoes. The fire reportedly started on one of the upper floors, with eyewitness accounts and official statements differing on whether it began on the fourth or fifth floor. Thick black smoke was seen pouring from the structure as emergency crews arrived.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency permanent secretary, Olufemi Oke Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident. He said the fire started on the fourth floor of the twenty two story building and spread upwards to the sixth floor, gaining momentum quickly. The head of the state fire service, Margaret Adeseye, described the building as twenty five stories tall and said the fire originated on the fifth floor, spreading downwards from that point. She noted the building contains warehouses, clothing shops, and some corporate offices. Both officials stated the number of potential casualties remains unknown as firefighting operations are still active. They reported no confirmed casualties at this time.
An eyewitness named Sola described a scene of panic and stampede as the fire grew. He claimed some individuals, including a woman who had previously lost her shop, were trapped on the higher floors and unable to escape. The fire service response included multiple trucks dispatched to the scene. Crews were still working to contain the flames as of the latest updates.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency permanent secretary, Olufemi Oke Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident. He said the fire started on the fourth floor of the twenty two story building and spread upwards to the sixth floor, gaining momentum quickly. The head of the state fire service, Margaret Adeseye, described the building as twenty five stories tall and said the fire originated on the fifth floor, spreading downwards from that point. She noted the building contains warehouses, clothing shops, and some corporate offices. Both officials stated the number of potential casualties remains unknown as firefighting operations are still active. They reported no confirmed casualties at this time.
An eyewitness named Sola described a scene of panic and stampede as the fire grew. He claimed some individuals, including a woman who had previously lost her shop, were trapped on the higher floors and unable to escape. The fire service response included multiple trucks dispatched to the scene. Crews were still working to contain the flames as of the latest updates.
