Ebun Francis| A four-story building collapsed at Balogun market in Lagos state on Wednesday following a fire outbreak in the early hours of the morning.
The fire was said to have started from Anambra Plaza, on Martins street, beside Great Nigeria Limited, Leventis bus stop.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Femi Oke-Osanyintolu said the fire was caused by fuel stored inappropriately in one of the buildings.
In a series of tweets, the agency said rescue operation is in progress.
The tweet read, “On arrival at the above scene, it was discovered that a four storey-plaza had been gutted by fire. Cause was identified as resulting from improperly stored fuel.”
“The fire escalated to adjoining buildings totaling seven (7) in number and is being contained by the Emergency responders i.e LASG Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service and NPA Fire Service. Seven buildings are affected and two have collapsed.
“Given that two buildings have since collapsed, we have found it necessary to insert a gulf around the affected buildings and carry out integrity tests on all of them. We appeal for calm.”
Traders were seen in a serious panic as they struggled to salvage their goods from the windows of the high-rise buildings and scamper to safety.
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