Six-month-old baby, four others burnt to death in Lagos

No fewer than five persons, including a six-month-old baby boy, were killed in fire accidents between Friday and Saturday in Lagos.

The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

Fadipe said that four of the victims were roasted to death in an accident that occurred at the Costain area of the state, involving a commercial bus, popularly known as Danfo.

According to him, the bus was carrying nine passengers when the accident happened.

He said the bus was coming from Lagos Island at top speed while descending to Costain when suddenly the driver lost control and hit the pavement.

Fadipe added that the impact made the bus to summersault several times.

He said: “The bus burst into flames, burning to death four men beyond recognition.

“Five others that sustained serious burnt were rescued and taken to the General Hospital, Marina by the Lagos Emergency Ambulance Services.

“The police from Iponri Division removed the dead bodies to the same hospital.

“The incident happened on Saturday at about 12.12pm.”

The director added that a six-month old baby boy was burnt to death at about 9.30pm on Saturday at CA Street, House 52, Shagari Estate, Mosan Okunola, Ipaja.

Fadipe said the fire was caused by a candlestick lit by the mother of the child, who claimed to be taking fresh air outside, when the incident happened.

He, however, advised members of the public against the use of the candle, stressing that many lives have been lost to its use.

Fadipe also called on parents to always keep an eye on their children while sleeping, advising them against locking up children at home and leaving for a far distance.

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