A fire broke out on a ferry at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Thursday, injuring four passengers. The ferry, which was carrying 19 passengers, caught fire under unclear circumstances, causing panic among those on board.
The fire occurred around 6:45 a.m. aboard the LAGFERRY vessel, "Igbega Eko," which was en route to Victoria Island. Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), quickly arrived at the scene and took immediate action to prevent the fire from spreading. All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, and the fire was contained before it caused further damage.
While no fatalities were reported, four passengers sustained varying degrees of injury. They were promptly rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire, with officials urging commuters to exercise caution when using water transport services in the area.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) released a statement confirming the incident and providing details about the swift response. LASWA worked closely with LAGFERRY and other boat operators to manage the situation effectively. "We are pleased to report that all passengers and crew on board were evacuated safely," the statement said, emphasizing that the injured passengers are receiving medical attention.
LASWA also assured the public that safety protocols remain in place, and ferry operations continue as scheduled. The agency has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire and improve safety measures on the waterways. "We are committed to implementing necessary recommendations to enhance fire prevention measures throughout the Lagos waterways," LASWA added.
In the meantime, LASWA has urged passengers to remain calm, follow safety guidelines, and stay informed as investigations progress.
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