A fire outbreak caused widespread panic on Wednesday at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, forcing the immediate evacuation of passengers, airline personnel, and airport staff from a temporary terminal facility.
According to eyewitness accounts, thick smoke suddenly filled the terminal building, creating confusion among travelers who rushed to exit the premises for safety.
“The temporary terminal was quickly covered in smoke. Everyone—passengers, crew, and staff—had to be evacuated immediately,” a source at the airport disclosed.
Emergency Response Activated
Authorities confirmed that emergency protocols were swiftly initiated following the incident. Firefighters from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded promptly and are actively working to contain the blaze.
Security personnel were also deployed to maintain order and guide evacuees to safety as the situation unfolded.
Another eyewitness described the initial moments as chaotic but noted that the evacuation process was handled quickly. “There was panic at first, but officials moved fast to get everyone out safely,” the witness said.
Incident Timeline
Sources revealed that the fire broke out shortly after an Ethiopian Airlines flight had completed boarding and departed from the terminal, although it remains unclear whether there is any connection between the flight and the incident.
As of the time of reporting, the cause of the fire has not been determined, and there are no confirmed reports of injuries or casualties.
Recurring Safety Concerns
The latest incident comes just weeks after a similar fire outbreak affected another section of the airport.
In February, a blaze disrupted operations at Terminal 1, forcing the evacuation of air traffic controllers and impacting flight operations.
At the time, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) confirmed that critical communication infrastructure was severely damaged.
Managing Director Farouk Umar described the incident as a major setback, noting that essential air-to-ground communication systems were completely destroyed, forcing reliance on emergency backup systems.
He also highlighted the broader impact, including flight diversions, operational disruptions, and significant infrastructure loss.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the latest fire outbreak to determine its cause and assess the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, passengers and stakeholders await further updates as emergency teams continue efforts to fully contain the situation and restore normal operations.
