Following the fire outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos Terminal one, six persons have been confirmed with minor injuries, as emergency responders struggle to contain the inferno.
Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN Olubunmi Kuku said flight operations have resumed, as the airspace has been opened because flights were diverted during the fire outbreak.
The FAAN boss noted that there were no deaths as emergency responders evacuated passengers and workers swiftly adding that what could have escalated into a major tragedy was contained through coordinated action.
Kuku stated : “What is critical is to make sure that the fire is controlled.”
She said preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have began from the ground floor, , but cautioned that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the immediate and remote causes, as the immediate priority was controlling the blaze and safeguarding lives.
Kuku revealed that the fire led to the diversion of three International flights, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates. British Airways was diverted to Abuja, while Lufthansa rerouted to Malabo and Emirates diverted.
She commended the coordinated efforts by airport firefighters, Nigerian Airforce, Lagos State Emergency Management Service, the police and aerial support teams for preventing any casualties and ensuring a safe evacuation of passengers and staff.
Kuku stressed that no active construction was taking place in the section where the fire allegedly started, but renovation works are underway within the airport environment ahead of major rehabilitation.
Structural and civil engineers are expected to assess the integrity of the affected terminal once the fire is completely put out to determine the next line of action.
The FAAN boss expressed gratitude for the coordinated response from both Federal and state authorities, as no disruption is too small in aviation operations, and assured passengers that the situation was under control as normal operations have commenced.
About The Author
