Inverter battery at Lagos airport terminal basement sparks fire

Users of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos ran for safety following the outbreak of fire at a section of the terminal.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in a statement attributed the incident to a suspected electrical spark at the baggage hall ceiling that caused the smoke incident that was reported at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The source of the smoke which occurred at about 0723 hours was identified as a burning lithium inverter battery installation at the basement.

Director Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua said the FAAN fighters promptly responded to the situation at  0730hrs.

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“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.”

He noted that in accordance with the agency’s 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.

He further stated that the situation was promptly brought under control with activities resuming at the terminal.

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Recall that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo had last week during a tour of facilities at the Lagos airport directed the FAAN to ensure airlines relocate to the new Chinese-built terminal that had remained largely unused because of enough space for wide-body airplanes.

He disclosed that the old terminal which has become decrepit would be refurbished after the relocation of airlines and service providers to the new terminal.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

For the new terminal to become fully operational, the Minister demanded immediate relocation of Dominion Hangar and the one belonging to Ever Green Apple to make way for the expansion of the terminal to accommodate bigger airplanes.

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Wole Shadare