Stakeholders’ quick response prevents enormous fire disaster at Tin Can Island Port

By Abiodun OBA

The quick response from all stakeholders ameliorated the damage which the fire that gutted one of the shore cranes at Ports and Cargo Terminal, owned by SIFAX Group at the Tin Can Island Port would have done on Thursday.

The fire reportedly raged for hours, even as fire service officials and dockworker tried for several hours to put it off.

In a press statement, SIFAX Group head of Corporate Communication, Mr Muyiwa Akande disclosed that there was no loss of life in the incident.

“At about 12:30 pm on Thursday, July 20, 2023, one of our equipment, a shore crane, developed a sudden technical fault and before anything could be done to fix it, it went up in flames.

“There was a quick response from all stakeholders which resulted in putting out the fire as soon as possible, even though substantial damage was done to the equipment.

“Normalcy was returned to the terminal after containing the fire and our operations resumed.

“The vessel at berth as at the time of the incident was not affected by the fire while containers, both those on board the vessel as well as other consignments at the terminal, were not affected also.

“There was no loss of life, as the operator working on the affected equipment was safely rescued without any injury.

“The said equipment as well as all other equipment and facilities at the terminal are all insured.

“As a company, we are committed to operational excellence in a safe and secure environment for the collective good of all our stakeholders – customers, agents, staff, regulators and the general public.

“Our sincere appreciation goes to individuals and organisations who reacted swiftly to the emergency situation including: Nigerian Ports Authority, Master and crew of MV Argeciras Express and the Lagos State Fire Service team. Kudos also to the staff of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Tin-Can Island Port of the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, confirmed that no life was lost to the fire.

The Public Relation Officer of the Port, Mr. Shola Adesanwo disclosed that the fire started from tyre of the gantry crane and firefighters were able to put off the inferno before it could spread up to crane.

Adesanwo also said that he was still in talks with the fire service department of the agency to get more details as to what caused the fire before issuing a statement.