52-Year-Old Man Dies in Midnight Fire at Ilorin Short-Let Apartment After Power Surge

A 52-year-old man has lost his life following a late-night fire outbreak at a short-let facility in Ilorin, Kwara State, with authorities blaming the incident on a suspected power surge.

The tragedy occurred on Thursday night at Lafia Hotel along Coca-Cola Road in Ilorin, where a residential building used for short-let accommodation was gutted by fire.

According to the spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, the inferno engulfed a structure comprising two flats, each with three bedrooms. Thick smoke reportedly filled the building, making it nearly impossible for occupants to escape.

“The entire building was heavily engulfed in smoke, making escape extremely difficult for occupants. Tragically, one life was lost in the incident — an unidentified male, estimated to be about 52 years of age,” Adekunle said.

Power Surge Suspected as Cause of Ilorin Fire

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire erupted shortly after electricity was restored to the area.

Adekunle explained that the blaze was likely triggered by a power surge, which caused the flames to spread rapidly across the property.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and successfully brought the fire under control at approximately 11:51 pm. Three fire trucks were deployed by the state fire service, with additional support from the Federal Fire Service.

Fire Service Issues Safety Advisory to Property Owners

Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, expressed concern over the fatality and called on property owners — particularly operators of short-let apartments — to prioritise electrical safety.

He advised the installation of standard electrical systems, quality surge protectors, and regular safety inspections to prevent similar occurrences.

Muhammed also stressed the importance of installing smoke detectors, emergency lighting systems, and fixed firefighting equipment, warning that smoke inhalation remains one of the leading causes of death in fire outbreaks.

Authorities have yet to release the identity of the deceased as investigations continue.