Power line collapse sparks fire near Kwara Assembly

A late-night fire on Thursday ravaged parts of a residential compound in the Asa-Dam area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, after a high-tension transmission line collapsed and struck the premises.

The incident occurred around 9:12 p.m. at the Alfa Olorunkemi Compound, located behind the Kwara State House of Assembly.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire broke out when a 33kVA power line fell and came into contact with a plastic overhead water tank, sparking a blaze in a building consisting of three units of three-bedroom apartments.

Firefighters responded swiftly to the distress call, but their efforts were initially hindered by the ongoing power supply from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The live electricity posed significant risks and delayed effective firefighting operations.

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The Fire Service’s Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, stated that the IBEDC control room was quickly contacted to shut down the power feeder supplying the area.

Once electricity was disconnected, fire crews successfully brought the blaze under control, preventing further damage.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, praised his team for their rapid response and emphasized the need for greater public awareness of electrical safety.

He also issued a warning against building structures directly under or near power transmission lines, noting the serious dangers they pose to lives and property.

Local residents have urged authorities to step up monitoring and maintenance of power infrastructure to avoid similar incidents in the future.