From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A fallen 33-kilovolt electricity transmission line, has triggered a fire outbreak at Oloje Phase 2, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, destroying a vulcanising workshop, a vehicle and parts of several buildings.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Lawyer Lambo Street, affecting three residential buildings, a travel and tours office and other properties in the neighbourhood.
The Kwara State Fire Service said preliminary findings indicated that the fire was triggered by the collapse of a concrete pole supporting a 33kV transmission line, which generated sparks that ignited nearby properties.
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The fallen high-tension line reportedly landed on a vehicle, with sparks igniting its tyre before the fire spread rapidly. The vulcanising workshop in the vicinity was also completely destroyed.
The Fire Service said its personnel received a distress call and arrived at the scene at 2:41 a.m., where they battled the fire and prevented further destruction.
Although a room-and-parlour self-contained apartment was severely affected, its occupants, who had recently welcomed a newborn baby, were rescued by members of the community.
Three vehicles were parked in one of the affected four-bedroom flats. While one was completely burnt, firefighters successfully saved the other two from the flames.
The second four-bedroom flat also sustained damage, particularly in the kitchen, where electrical appliances, including a freezer, were affected. The building’s solar power generation system was also damaged.
Similarly, a neighbouring travel and tours office suffered damage to its solar power system, four tubular batteries and other electrical appliances.
Given the danger posed by the fallen transmission line, the Fire Service contacted the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) control room to request the shutdown of the electricity feeder supplying the area to ensure the safety of emergency responders.
The Chief Fire Officer, CFS Alabi Muhammed, expressed sympathy to residents, property owners and business operators affected by the incident.
He warned members of the public against erecting buildings, shops and other structures directly beneath high-tension electricity lines, urging property developers and residents to observe the required safety setbacks around electricity infrastructure.
According to him, maintaining safe distances from transmission lines is essential to preventing electrical accidents, fire outbreaks and avoidable losses of lives and property.
He also advised residents to report fallen electricity poles, damaged infrastructure and exposed transmission lines immediately to the relevant authorities.
The fire chief cautioned the public against touching fallen wires or any objects in contact with them, stressing the need to avoid areas where damaged electrical infrastructure poses a danger.
The Fire Service commended residents who helped rescue the occupants of the affected self-contained apartment, noting that community cooperation remains vital during emergencies.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across Kwara State through prompt emergency response, public education and sustained fire safety awareness.
