Building collapses as fire engulfs three buildings in Lagos market

One of the buildings razed  by a fire that engulfed three buildings at Dosumu Market in the Idumota area of Lagos State collapsed on Wednesday.

The fire had earlier razed three buildings at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Docemo in Idumota.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) disclosed in a statement that the fire spread to another building and one of the four buildings collapsed.

The Director, LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye, giving an update on the mishap on Wednesday said in a statement: “An update on the fire emergency in Docemo reveals a significant reduction in the intensity of the blaze.

“The affected properties are identified as house numbers 47, 49, and 51. Tragically, house number 49 has collapsed due to the fire’s intensity and the close proximity of buildings. Additionally, the fire spread to house number 53.”

On its part, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in a post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, further disclosed that no injury or casualty was reported in the collapse of the building on Wednesday.

The post reads: “NEMA and other stakeholders respond to the fire incident which engulfed three units of a four-storey building at Dosumu Market, Idumota, Lagos.

“One of the four-storey buildings has collapsed due to the intensity of the fire. No injury or casualty reported.”

An early morning fire on Monday razed the buildings affected in Idumota Market,  popular for trade in clothes, bags and shoes, leaving losses of goods worth millions of Naira.

The LSFS had earlier confirmed the incident on its X (formerly Twitter) handle saying: “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has been alerted to a fire emergency at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Docemo in Idumota, Lagos. At 07:41 hours, the call was received, and emergency services swiftly mobilized.

“Upon arrival at 07:58 hours, it was discovered that the fire encompasses three buildings, including two 2-storey structures and one three-storey building.

“Currently, firefighting efforts are underway at the scene.

“The fire stations at Ebute Elefun, Ilupeju, and Alausa have deployed resources to mitigate the situation effectively as the firefighting operation is ongoing.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing. Casualties have not been confirmed at this time. We urge residents to cooperate with emergency personnel and avoid the area for their safety.”