Ruth Semilore
Panic broke out at the venue of the ongoing Gateway Games 2024 on Tuesday afternoon after a diesel truck supplying fuel to a power generator caught fire.
The incident occurred at the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta, affecting nearby shops and a kiosk located near the entrance of the facility.
The fire destroyed several businesses, leaving traders counting their losses.
Although no lives were lost, the driver of the diesel truck sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital.
Members of the Local Organising Committee quickly arrived at the scene to assess the damage once the fire was brought under control.
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One committee member, who asked not to be named because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the matter, said,
“We are doing what is necessary by taking the details of the affected traders. We thank God there was no casualty, and we will surely do what is right.”
Firefighters confirmed they received the distress call at 3:29 p.m. and responded swiftly.
Despite the incident, events at the venue continued without disruption. As of the time of filing this report, handball matches were ongoing, while badminton and squash events were concluding for the day.
In response to the incident, the organisers of the 2024 National Sports Festival pledged to provide support to the small-scale business owners affected by the fire.
