JUST IN: LASEMA orders residents, traders to evacuate as plaza fire spreads

Photos and video from the scene of the fire. Credit: LASEMA

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The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has urged residents and traders around the scene of the ongoing fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, to evacuate the area immediately.

The LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, made this known in a public safety alert issued after an assessment of the incident on Wednesday night.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that the fire broke out at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday on the fourth floor of the building before spreading to other floors.

Oke-Osanyintolu had earlier stated that the number of casualties could not yet be ascertained as rescue operations were ongoing.

The LASEMA boss disclosed that the situation assessment revealed that the fire had escalated significantly.

He therefore urged residents and traders within the vicinity to evacuate to prevent casualties.

He said, “Preliminary assessments from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency team at the scene of the fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, indicate that the fire has escalated rapidly across multiple floors, posing significant risks to lives, adjoining buildings and the safety of members of the public within the surrounding perimeter.

“Due to the escalating nature of the fire, residents, traders, occupants of neighbouring buildings and members of the public within the immediate and extended vicinity of the affected plaza are hereby strongly advised to evacuate the area immediately to prevent possible casualties arising from smoke inhalation, structural compromise or fire spread.”

He added that while emergency responders continued to battle the fire, residents were advised to remain calm, avoid the area, and comply with safety directives.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and orderly during evacuation, avoid returning to the affected area until officially cleared, refrain from obstructing emergency operations and strictly follow instructions from emergency and security personnel on the ground.

“The agency will continue to provide timely updates as rescue and fire suppression efforts progress.

“LASEMA reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and appeals for public cooperation as emergency operations continue,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Johnson, an avid reader, has over four years experience in journalism covering education, politics and Metro.

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