Gas Discharge Triggers Panic at MMIA Terminal 2 as FAAN Rules Out Fire

Hundreds of passengers and airport staff at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, were thrown into panic when the sudden discharge of a gas-based fire suppression system was mistaken for smoke, causing people to scamper for safety.

According to a source within the terminal, the fire safety system in a control room located inside the arrival hall was activated, releasing the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system.

While the exact cause of the trigger remains unconfirmed, preliminary indications suggest the system may have been set off by an electrical spark or the accidental press of an emergency release button.

Clearing the air on the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Henry Agbebire, confirmed in an official statement that there was no fire at the facility.

He explained that the visible vapour that panicked airport users was strictly from the FM-200 gas release, adding that an investigation is currently underway to pinpoint what triggered the system.

“Normal operations have since resumed at the terminal, while detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident,” Agbebire stated. “FAAN appreciates the understanding and cooperation of passengers, airlines, airport users, and all stakeholders, and reiterates its commitment to the safety and security of all airport operations.”

FAAN advised against premature conclusions, promising to make the final investigation findings public once concluded.

Wole Shadare