FAAN confirms safe rescue of 14 after Lagos airport fire incident
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the safe rescue of 14 persons initially trapped during a fire outbreak at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
In an update issued on Monday, FAAN said emergency response operations remain ongoing, with coordinated firefighting, rescue and safety teams continuing containment and recovery efforts at the affected facility.
According to the authority, a crane was deployed to support rescue operations at the Control Tower, leading to the successful evacuation of all 14 individuals trapped in the building.
FAAN disclosed that six casualties — three males and three females — were recorded, all of whom are in stable condition. One of the affected persons has been transferred to the FAAN Headquarters Hospital for further medical evaluation and is reported to be stable.
As a precautionary measure, the sixth floor of the facility has been completely evacuated to aid emergency operations and minimise risks.
Preliminary findings by the Fire Service indicate that the blaze originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1. While the fire in the departure hall has been largely brought under control, responders continue to monitor the situation to prevent any spread to adjoining sections.
“In line with established safety protocols, the airspace remains temporarily closed. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is actively working to establish a temporary Control Tower to enable the safe and timely restoration of airport operations as soon as practicable,” the statement read.
FAAN assured the public that all emergency procedures were promptly activated and that it is collaborating with relevant agencies to safeguard lives, infrastructure and operational integrity, adding that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
