Fire kills two, razes filling station, shops in Ogun

Two people were feared dead and several others injured on Thursday as fire razed a filling station at Adigbe area of Abeokuta in Ogun State.
Mr Akinwande Aboluwaye, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), told newsmen that the incident started about 11.30 a.m.
According to him, the fire was caused by a welding activity at the gas filling section of the petrol station.
“This morning, we had an emergency call that there was fire at one of the filling stations at Adigbe.
“Immediately, our officers and men quickly went there and found out that a particular welder was working so close to the gas filling plant at the petrol station.
“Since gas is inflammable and acts like magnet, it went from that place and sourced for fire at a canteen opposite the station and went back immediately.
“It razed the entire station and some motorists and motorcyclists who were there to buy fuel were seriously injured, while nearby shops were also gutted.
“We thank God for the quick response of the NSCDC, the Fire Service and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), who were able to reduce the fire impact to a great extent.
“If not for that quick response, a larger part of Adigbe area would have been affected because there is also another fuel station close to the place.
“Presently, we have two people confirmed dead while seven others seriously injured are presently undergoing treatment at the State’s General Hospital, Ijaiye.
“I can confirm to you that the fire has been put off because I have gone there again to make on-the-spot assessment,” he said.
Aboluwaye, who described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable, called on operators of filling stations to take extra care about the activities taking place within their premises.
He assured that the NSCDC would continue to sensitise and enlighten operators on activities that should be discouraged within and around their premises.
The NSCDC boss, however, noted that fire stations in the state needed to be equipped urgently.
“I must be sincere with you that most of the fire stations are not adequately equipped and I don’t think we should leave everything to the government alone,” he said.
He, therefore, called on stakeholders, including private organisations to partner the government in equipping fire stations as part of efforts to ensure safety of lives and property in the state.
An eyewitness account said that a petrol attendant at the station was one of the two that died.