10 Feared Trapped as Blaze Engulfs Lagos Airport Terminal

A fire has continued to burn at the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, with reports indicating that about 10 people remain trapped in the control tower. Firefighters were still battling the blaze as of 5:15 p.m., struggling against thick smoke that has engulfed parts of the facility currently undergoing a multibillion-naira renovation.

An airport official told SaharaReporters that those trapped are believed to be on the sixth floor where the control tower is located. Rescue efforts were ongoing, although visibility has been hampered by heavy smoke. The official added that it was unclear whether more people were stranded in other sections of the building.

The cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed, but preliminary suspicion points to an electrical fault. Emergency responders remained at the scene working to contain the flames and prevent further damage, while authorities monitored the situation closely.

A helicopter was seen hovering around the airport during the incident, believed to be operated by the police, though its mission was unclear. The development comes months after a September 6, 2023 fire incident at the airport’s international wing, which the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria linked to a burning lithium inverter battery that triggered smoke in the baggage hall ceiling.