A fierce fire on Tuesday at Ita Amodu area of Ilorin, Kwara State, destroyed large stock of goods, including a truckload of mattresses, as well as shops in the market.
The fire, which reportedly started around 10 am at Ile Bilewu, Alabi-Owo Junction, Ita Amodu, was ignited when truck hit an high-tension power line. This triggered a blaze that swiftly spread to a nearby building containing 47 rooms and 19 shops, as confirmed by the Kwara State Fire Service.
Hassan Adekunle, the Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity for the State Fire Service, provided details of the incident.
“Upon arrival at the scene, we encountered a massive inferno originating from a lorry overloaded with mattresses.
“The fire spread from the lorry to a nearby building containing 47 rooms and 19 shops. Despite the intensity, our firefighters managed to prevent further destruction, saving 31 rooms and 12 shops.
“Unfortunately, seven shops and 16 rooms were affected,” Adekunle said. The highly flammable mattresses contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the fire.
The situation worsened when an explosion from a nearby step-down transformer added to the intensity of the blaze, spreading it to adjacent buildings. Adekunle praised local residents for their quick response and cooperation with the firefighters.
“We appreciate the timely support of the people, who worked closely with our team to control the fire and limit the damage,” he said.
READ ALSO : Fire destroys election materials at INEC office in Delta
In addition to the residents’ help, the Nigeria Police Force also played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the firefighters.
“The police presence ensured the safety of our personnel during a volatile situation,” the Fire Service stated, acknowledging the officers’ efforts in protecting the team from potential interference by hoodlums.
The Fire Service also expressed gratitude to media outlets for their timely updates, which helped inform the public and manage panic during the emergency. The Service Director, John Falade, underscored the importance of preventive measures in avoiding similar disasters.
“The incident highlights the critical need for safety precautions, especially when handling flammable materials and operating near power lines,” Falade said.
Traders and residents tallying their losses, with many now calling for stronger safety regulations and response mechanisms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Credible News.ng
