A tragic fire incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, resulted in the death of a 30-year-old welder named Alabi Quadri, while four others sustained injuries.
The incident occurred in the Badmus area, opposite Agbala Daniel Church, on Ojoo-Iwo-Road, Akinyele Local Government Area.
According to an eyewitness, the fire, caused by a gas explosion, led to the demise of Quadri, who succumbed to injuries at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Four others are currently receiving treatment at UCH, Oyo Mesi Specialist Hospital in Orogun, and Hamdalat Hospital in Ojoo.
The inferno ravaged the workshop area, burning down approximately six trailers. Affected individuals were rushed to various hospitals for medical attention.
Segun Ajiboye, a mechanic at the workshop, provided details to the PUNCH, stating, “The fire occurred at our workshop in the Badmus area. No shop was burnt down. It affected six trailers (DAF). Three were burnt down in my stand.”
Ajiboye explained that the fire started near Quadri’s work area, where he was using a generator due to a lack of electricity. The fire quickly escalated, causing extensive damage.
In a related incident, another fire at Sango market in the Ibadan North Local Government Area destroyed about 24 shops.
The fire, attributed to an electric surge, caused significant losses for affected shop owners, impacting their livelihoods.
Yemi Akinyinka, the General Manager of the state Fire Service, confirmed both fire outbreaks, stating that efforts were underway to gather more information on the Badmus incident.
Traders affected by the Sango market fire expressed their distress over the extensive damage, emphasizing the challenges they face in rebuilding and restarting their businesses.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, could not be reached for comments at the time of reporting.
