A 52-year-old man has died following a late-night fire outbreak at Lafia Hotel located along Coca-Cola Road in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, affected a building within the premises used for short-let accommodation. The structure, made up of two flats with three bedrooms each, was completely impacted by the blaze.
The fire reportedly started shortly after electricity supply was restored to the area. Preliminary findings indicate that a power surge may have triggered the outbreak, causing flames to spread rapidly through the building. Within a short period, the entire structure was heavily filled with thick smoke, making it extremely difficult for occupants to find their way out.
Emergency responders were alerted, and firefighters arrived at the scene promptly. By the time they got there, the building had already been engulfed in dense smoke and intense heat. Firefighters immediately commenced operations to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
Despite their swift response and coordinated efforts, one male occupant, believed to be about 52 years old, was found dead in the building. The victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report, is suspected to have died from severe smoke inhalation. Smoke inhalation is often one of the leading causes of death in fire incidents, as thick fumes can quickly overwhelm victims before flames reach them.
Fire crews battled the blaze for several minutes before bringing it under control at about 11:51 p.m. Three fire trucks were deployed to the scene to combat the flames and reduce the scale of destruction. Additional support was also provided to ensure the situation was fully stabilized and that no hidden embers remained that could reignite the fire.
The building sustained extensive damage, with rooms, household items, and electrical fittings badly affected. The intensity of the smoke and heat left much of the interior charred and uninhabitable.
Authorities have expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of life and the extent of damage caused by the incident. Property owners, particularly those operating short-let apartments and hospitality facilities, have been urged to prioritize safety measures in their buildings. This includes ensuring proper and professionally installed electrical systems, the use of high-quality surge protectors, and regular inspection of wiring and electrical appliances to prevent faults that could lead to fires.
They also emphasized the importance of installing functional smoke detectors, emergency lighting systems, and fixed firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers. These measures, they noted, are critical in providing early warning signals, aiding swift evacuation, and minimizing casualties during emergencies.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with electrical faults and the devastating consequences that can result from inadequate safety precautions. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, especially during periods of power restoration, and to report any electrical irregularities promptly to qualified technicians.
An investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing.
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