The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has confirmed the rescue of 14 individuals initially trapped during a fire outbreak at the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Providing an MMIA fire FAAN update, the authority disclosed that all affected persons were evacuated safely, while the terminal building will undergo a comprehensive structural integrity assessment.
Rescue Operation and Casualties
According to FAAN, six casualties — three males and three females — are currently in stable condition. One affected individual was transferred to the airport’s hospital for further medical evaluation.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which collaborated with FAAN’s Fire Service, stated that 12 air traffic control personnel were rescued alive without injuries.
Controller-General Margaret Adeseye confirmed that there was no loss of life in the incident.
Incident Timeline
Eyewitness accounts indicated that smoke began rising from the terminal around 3:20 pm, prompting panic and evacuation efforts in the vicinity.
Firefighters from FAAN and the Lagos State Fire Service battled the blaze before bringing it under control.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, but investigations are currently underway.
Flight Diversions
The Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, confirmed that three international flights were diverted due to the incident.
Affected carriers included British Airways, Lufthansa and Emirates.
Kuku stated that flight operations were expected to resume shortly after safety assessments were completed.
Structural Integrity Assessment
FAAN disclosed that civil and structural engineers will conduct detailed evaluations to determine the integrity of the affected terminal building.
Kuku explained that professional assessments would guide the next steps, including any required repairs or safety upgrades.
“We have civil and structural engineers whose role is to ensure that once the fire has been contained, we test the integrity of the structure to determine what the next steps are,” she said.
Aviation Safety Measures
The MMIA fire FAAN update underscores the authority’s commitment to aviation safety and rapid emergency response.
While operations experienced temporary disruption, officials emphasised that safety protocols were promptly activated, enabling swift evacuation and containment.
Aviation stakeholders will now monitor the outcome of the structural review and ongoing investigations as authorities work to restore full operational stability at Nigeria’s busiest international gateway.
