A fire outbreak triggered by a diesel explosion at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta, threw the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival into chaos on Tuesday, forcing athletes and spectators to flee the venue in panic.
The inferno, which reportedly started around 3pm, occurred when a diesel truck supplying fuel to the venue’s power generator caught fire.
Eyewitnesses said the truck, with registration number LND 898 YJ, erupted in flames as sparks flew while fuel was being discharged into the generating set that powers the complex.
The Alake Sports Complex, one of the key venues of the “Gateway Games 2024,” was hosting indoor events such as badminton, squash, and handball when the explosion occurred.
Activities were suspended temporarily as thick plumes of smoke billowed into the sky, triggering a stampede-like atmosphere.
“No casualties were recorded as the truck driver managed to drive the vehicle away from the main event centre before the fire spread,” said Nathaniel Mobolade, SSI Media Officer for the festival.
“However, it took about 45 minutes for fire service operatives to arrive at the scene.”
Despite the delayed emergency response, firefighters were eventually able to bring the situation under control.
The incident, however, left at least five shops within the sports complex razed, with traders counting their losses.
One of the victims, Mrs. Oladeinde, lamented the loss of cash she was expecting from a customer at the time of the explosion.
“Part of the money the customer brought for deposit got burnt. I’m devastated. I appeal to the government to assist us,” she said tearfully.
An eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous blamed the fire on negligence, alleging that the generator was not switched off during the diesel discharge — a violation of basic safety protocols.
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival was declared open on Sunday by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta.
With over 10,000 athletes and spectators in attendance, the festival is touted as one of the most ambitious and expensive in the event’s 52-year history.
Events at the Alake Complex later resumed after safety officials secured the area.
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