Panic spread among workers and residents around the Kirikiri Canal on Wednesday after a fire erupted on a vessel undergoing repairs, leaving one person seriously injured.
According to eyewitness accounts, the ship had been docked for routine maintenance when sparks generated during welding activities reportedly ignited flammable materials on board, sparking a blaze that sent thick smoke into the air.
The vessel, which is typically used to transport diesel from offshore locations to onshore facilities and also deliver food supplies to offshore workers, was said to be out of active service at the time of the incident.
A worker identified only as Mr Ade sustained severe injuries during the fire and was quickly evacuated for medical attention at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital.
An eyewitness, who gave his name as Bukahid, said he rushed to the scene around 3:30 p.m. after hearing a loud explosion.
They were welding on the ship when the fire broke out. We quickly moved to rescue Mr Ade, who was caught in the blaze, and took him to the hospital,” he said.
Emergency teams from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Waterways Authority responded promptly to the incident.
The responders battled the flames for several hours and eventually brought the fire under control at about 6:00 p.m., preventing further damage and casualties.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire had not been officially confirmed.
