A devastating fire broke out in a duplex building in Ilorin, Kwara State, after a five-year-old boy accidentally dropped a lit matchstick on combustible material while playing.
The incident occurred at Abiodun Adebiyi Close, off Yidi Road, Irewolede Area, Ilorin West Local Government Area on Monday. One room in the five-bedroom duplex was completely destroyed, with significant property damage.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the building, prompting a swift response from the Kwara State Fire Service.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other rooms or nearby buildings.
According to Hassan Adekunle, spokesman for the state fire service, preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by the toddler’s careless handling of matches.
Adekunle stressed the importance of fire safety and urged parents to keep matches and other flammable materials out of reach of children.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, commended the firefighters for their rapid and effective response. The state fire service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through professionalism and swift emergency response.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for vigilance in preventing such accidents.
