Fire guts PZ Cussons on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway

Proximity notwithstanding, fire yesterday engulfed PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, which shares a fence with the Lagos Fire Service at Toyota Bus Stop on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

Catastrophe was, however, averted by the quick intervention of the fire service, which prevented the incident from escalating into a major tragedy by stopping the spread of the fire from reaching the MRS petrol tankers’ loading station located beside the PZ firm.

The fire started at about 11.30a.m. in the bush that separates PZ and the park where many fuel tankers waiting to be loaded are parked before heading to Apapa. The cause of the fire was not known but it drew a lot of sympathisers to the scene, which simultaneously led to severe traffic on the busy expressway.

The canal that lies between the company and the loading bay also prevented the fire from spreading beyond the affected building.

An employee of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, who spoke to The Guardian said no one knew exactly the cause of the fire. Two of the firefighters refused to comment on the incident, as they said they did not know what caused the fire.

However, a member of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “We were passing by and saw the fire. During dry season, when there is intense heat, it could lead to fire, especially in industrial areas.”