Fire at Murtala Muhammed International Airport: Rescues, Casualties and Structural Review
14 Rescued as Fire Erupts, Investigations Commence
A significant fire broke out at the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Monday afternoon, prompting a major emergency response by aviation and fire authorities. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that all 14 persons initially trapped during the incident were successfully rescued, and that a structural integrity evaluation of the affected building will soon be undertaken.
Incident Overview and Immediate Response
Smoke was first observed emanating from Terminal 1 of MMIA at approximately 3:20 p.m., triggering rapid evacuation and emergency actions by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with FAAN’s firefighting units.
FAAN reported that 12 air traffic control personnel were among those rescued alive, without any fatalities recorded during the operation. Six other individuals three males and three females sustained injuries and are currently in stable condition, with one transferred to the FAAN Headquarters Hospital for further medical evaluation.
Responders deployed specialised equipment, including a crane, to facilitate the safe evacuation of those trapped in higher sections of the terminal’s control tower area, highlighting the coordination between multi-agency emergency teams.
Operational Disruption and Aviation Impacts
The fire disrupted normal airport operations. Several scheduled international flights from carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa and Emirates were diverted as precautionary measures while emergency response activities continued. Airport authorities have confirmed that flight operations have since resumed, although initial disruptions prompted temporary logistical challenges for passengers and airlines.
Beyond immediate rescue and containment, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service indicated that preliminary analysis suggests the blaze originated from within the terminal complex, and efforts were focused on controlling and extinguishing the fire to prevent escalation.
Structural Integrity and Future Assessments
Following the containment of the blaze, FAAN announced that civil and structural engineers would conduct a thorough assessment of the building’s integrity. This evaluation aims to determine the extent of damage and inform subsequent decisions regarding repair, rehabilitation or further demolition work. Such assessments are critical for ensuring continued safety for airport personnel and travellers alike.
The fire comes amid ongoing renovation and redevelopment activities at MMIA, including plans to modernise aging infrastructure at Terminal 1. FAAN’s focus on structural review underscores the importance of safeguarding aviation infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity.
Broader Safety and Policy Considerations
Incidents of this nature at major transport hubs such as MMIA emphasise the need for robust emergency preparedness, timely infrastructure maintenance, and effective coordination between aviation regulators and civil authorities. Implementing recommended integrity evaluations and incorporating lessons from the incident will be critical to reinforcing safety resilience at key national gateways.
Authorities have reiterated that investigations into the fire’s root cause remain ongoing. Full findings are expected to guide policy directions on airport infrastructure safety standards and future capital investments.
The fire outbreak at MMIA’s Terminal 1 in Lagos prompted swift and effective rescue operations, with all trapped individuals safely evacuated and injuries reported as stable. The aviation authority’s decision to order a comprehensive structural integrity check reflects a commitment to maintaining safety and restoring confidence in one of Nigeria’s busiest international aviation facilities. Continued assessments and coordinated response efforts will shape recovery and future operational stability.
