By Onyekachukwu Utebor, Warri
A fallen 33-kilovolt (33kV) electricity line has triggered a fire outbreak in Ilorin, Kwara State, destroying a vulcanising workshop, a vehicle and parts of several buildings.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 27, at Lawyer Lambo Street, Oloje Phase 2, in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.
The Kwara State Fire Service said preliminary findings indicated that the fire started after a concrete pole supporting the high-tension line collapsed, producing sparks that ignited nearby properties.
The fallen line reportedly landed on a vehicle, setting its tyre ablaze before the flames spread to surrounding structures. A vulcanising workshop in the area was completely destroyed, while three residential buildings and a travel and tours office were also affected.
According to the Fire Service, its personnel received a distress call and arrived at the scene at 2:41 a.m., battling the fire and preventing further destruction.
A room-and-parlour self-contained apartment was severely affected, but its occupants, who had recently welcomed a newborn baby, were rescued by community members.
Three vehicles were parked in one of the affected four-bedroom flats. While one was completely burnt, firefighters managed to save the other two from the flames.
The second four-bedroom flat also sustained damage, particularly in the kitchen, where electrical appliances, including a freezer, were affected. The building’s solar power generation system was equally damaged.
A neighbouring travel and tours office also suffered damage to its solar power system, four tubular batteries and other electrical appliances.
The Fire Service said it contacted the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) control room to request the shutdown of the electricity feeder supplying the area because of the danger posed by the fallen transmission line.
The Chief Fire Officer, CFS Alabi Muhammed, sympathised with residents, property owners and business operators affected by the incident.
He warned members of the public against erecting buildings, shops and other structures directly beneath high-tension electricity lines, urging residents and property developers to observe the required safety setbacks around electricity infrastructure.
Muhammed stressed that maintaining safe distances from transmission lines was essential to preventing electrical accidents, fire outbreaks and avoidable loss of lives and property.
He also urged residents to promptly report fallen electricity poles, damaged infrastructure and exposed transmission lines to the relevant authorities.
The fire chief cautioned the public against touching fallen wires or objects in contact with them, advising residents to stay away from areas where damaged electrical infrastructure could pose a danger.
The Fire Service commended community members who helped rescue the occupants of the affected apartment, noting that public cooperation was vital during emergencies.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Kwara State through prompt emergency response, public education and sustained fire safety awareness.
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