A major fire outbreak at the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos continued to burn as emergency responders battled to contain the blaze.
Sources at the scene said about 10 individuals were trapped inside the airport’s control tower, located on the sixth floor of the affected building.
The incident occurred at the terminal, which is currently undergoing extensive renovation. An airport official confirmed in the early evening that thick smoke had filled parts of the structure, making rescue efforts more challenging.
According to the source, firefighters were working to bring the situation under control and evacuate those trapped in the control tower. However, visibility within the building remained poor due to heavy smoke, raising concerns that more people could be affected.
The exact cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed, though preliminary indications suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
Emergency teams were seen at the scene trying to extinguish the flames. A helicopter was also observed hovering around the airport premises, though its specific role in the operation was unclear. There was no confirmation that it was being used for rescue purposes.
This incident follows a previous fire outbreak at the international wing of the airport in September 2023. At the time, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria attributed the smoke to an electrical spark in the baggage hall ceiling. Further investigation revealed that a lithium inverter battery in the basement had caught fire.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as efforts to contain the current blaze and ensure the safety of those trapped continue.
