An electrical fire was reported on Thursday morning at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
An eyewitness said the fire emanated from some cables, which apparently melted under heat, as some welders were working at the extension of Arrival ‘D’ Wing of the international airport.
Airport officials swiftly cut off power supply to the arrival and departure halls, in order to forestall any untoward development and isolated the scene of the spark.
Billows of smoke were observed rising to the sky from behind the arrival hall.
Fire fighters were also deployed in the affected area and were able to put the situation under control.
Security men also erected a metal barricade around the site.
Power supply was restored to the airport terminal within a few minutes.
Flight operations were, however, not affected while the incident lasted.
However, there was a stampede as shouts of “fire, fire, fire” rent the air.
Passengers missed their flights while the incident led to heavy traffic congestion on roads leading to the airport.
The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Yakubu Dati, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said the fire, which started at about 11.30a.m beside the ‘D’ Wing extension, was caused by welders working at the site.
It reads, “The prompt intervention of the fire service attached to the airport immediately brought the fire under control. There were no casualties.
“The only fall out of the incident was the switching off of the power source which has since been restored.
“Normal activities at the Airport which were not interrupted by the fire have continued as planes are taking off and landing without hitches.
“FAAN commends the rapid response of the officers and men of its Fire Department and other relevant agencies for restoring normalcy.
“We remain committed to providing secure, safe and comfortable airport environment as enshrined in the aviation master plan.”
In a separate incident, a cargo plane blew off the roof of a parking lot at the airport on Wednesday night, causing damage to some cars.
The extent of damage has yet to be ascertained.
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