Athletes, Spectators Scramble For Safety As Explosion Rocks Venue Of National Sports Festival
LAGOS MAY 20TH (NEWSRANGERS)-There was chaos and panic on Tuesday afternoon at the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta, one of the major venues of the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival, as a fire outbreak sent athletes and spectators scrambling for safety.
Eyewitnesses reveal that the fire incident occurred when a diesel truck supplying fuel to the complex’s generating set suddenly caught fire and erupted in flames.
Images obtained by SaharaReporters also show thick plumes of smoke moving into the sky, triggering stampede-like scenes within the facility.
The incident, which happened just after 3 pm, disrupted ongoing events and raised fears of a possible mass casualty incident.
Though no fatalities or injuries have been officially confirmed as of press time, sources at the venue said they saw athletes and festival officials fleeing in panic while emergency personnel rushed to the scene.
A statement made available to SaharaReporters by Nathaniel Mobolade, SSI Media, National Sports Festival, Ogun State reads: “Fire outbreak at the Alake Sports Complex, venue of the indoor games of the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
“No casualties as the driver was able to drive the truck far from the venue.
“The truck came to supply diesel to the generating set that powers the Complex.
“State Fire Service men were able to put out the fire though it took about 45mins before they arrived.”
The Nigerian government officially flagged off the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival on Sunday inside the refurbished MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.
Nigerian fashion
The opening ceremony, themed “Gateway Games 2024,” captivated a crowd of over 10,000 spectators, offering a spectacle that reflected the spirit and diversity of Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, declared the festival open, marking the start of what is poised to be one of the most expensive editions in the festival’s 52-year history.
Sahareporters
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Posted by News Rangers
on May 20 2025. Filed under National.
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