Lagos, Nigeria – A morning ferry fire at the Ipakodo Terminal in Lagos left nine people injured, including passengers, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) personnel, and Lag Ferry staff, authorities confirmed Thursday.
Incident Details
The blaze broke out aboard the Igbega Eko vessel at approximately 6:45 a.m. during peak commute hours. Emergency responders quickly contained the fire, preventing potential casualties.
Medical Response
All nine injured individuals are receiving treatment, with:
- Six at General Hospital, Ikorodu
- Three at a private medical facility
LASWA reported that none of the injuries are life-threatening, and patients are showing “significant improvement.”
Investigation Launched
Authorities have begun a full probe into the fire’s cause while initiating:
✔ Vessel safety audits across Lagos waterways
✔ Emergency protocol reviews
✔ Crew retraining programs
LASWA praised responders’ swift action and public cooperation during the crisis.
Context
This marks Lagos’ first major ferry incident since 2023, when a boat collision claimed five lives. The state has invested heavily in water transportation as an alternative to chronic road congestion.
