Burning inverter battery sparks fire at Lagos airport
By Chinelo Obogo, Lagos
A burning litium inverter battery which was installed at the basement of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, has been identified as the cause of a fire outbreak which occurred in the morning of Wednesday, September 6.
According to the Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, the fire incident happened around 7.23am following a spark from an electrical appliance. However, he said no one sustained any injury and the fire was promptly extinguished..
“At approximately 0723 hours this morning, a suspected electrical spark at the baggage hall ceiling caused the smoke incident that was reported at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, located in Ikeja, Lagos. The source of the smoke was identified as burning litium inverter battery installation at the basement .
“Promptly responding to the situation at 0730hrs the dedicated firefighters from the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the Electrical Department of the Authority initiated immediate action. Their swift response and professional efforts have successfully brought the situation under control.
“In accordance with our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of passengers, staff, and all airport users, the Terminal building was promptly evacuated due to the smoke that had permeated some areas of the facility. We are pleased to report that the situation is presently under control, ” he said.
