Firefighters battle fire at old Terminal 1, Lagos Airport, rescuing staff and containing the blaze.
Eighteen people were rescued after a fire erupted at the old Terminal 1 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday, sending thick smoke across the building and forcing the evacuation of control tower staff and passengers.
The blaze caused temporary flight disruptions and highlighted safety challenges in the aging terminal, which remains under reconstruction.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) said the fire, which started in the IT Server Room of the E-Wing Departure Lounge and affected the adjoining Radio Communication Room, was fully extinguished at 23:24 hours.
LSFRS Controller General, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed firefighters from Isolo, Bolade, Ikeja, and Alausa HQ stations, working alongside federal and state emergency teams coordinated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), responded promptly after a distress call at 15:52 hours.
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“Through coordinated multi-agency efforts, the fire was successfully confined, preventing further spread to other sections of the building under reconstruction,” Adeseye said, noting the inaccessibility of the fire location initially made containment challenging.
All 12 personnel in the Control Tower were rescued safely. Six others sustained injuries but are now in stable condition. Investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing.
The blaze disrupted flights, stranding passengers and diverting some international flights. The Airport Police confirmed that flight operations have resumed, with all activities now relocated to the new terminal. Old Terminal 1 remains closed pending assessment and clearance.
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