A family including a newborn baby narrowly escaped death in the early hours of Tuesday when a fire outbreak consumed their residence situated at Oloje Phase 2, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The victims, who resided in a room-and-parlour unit along Lawyer Lambo Street, were safely extracted from the inferno by local community members after the flames engulfed the structure. The blaze severely damaged the apartment alongside three adjacent buildings and neighboring properties.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the incident was reported at approximately 2:41 a.m. The outbreak was initiated by electrical sparks emanating from a fallen 33kV power transmission cable, which had collapsed alongside its concrete support pole. In addition to the residential structures, the fire destroyed a vulcanising workshop and a vehicle, while several other motor vehicles, property structures, home appliances, and solar power installations incurred substantial damage.

The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, conveyed his sympathies to the impacted residents and local shop owners. He issued a stern warning advising members of the public against constructing buildings underneath high-voltage power transmission routes, while stressing the importance of promptly reporting fallen power poles and exposed cables to appropriate agency officials.

The Kwara State Fire Service commended the community members for their swift intervention in rescuing the family and reinforced the necessity of public cooperation when emergency situations arise.