Nine persons injured as boat went aflame on transit in Lagos

No fewer than nine passengers and rescuers sustained injuries on Thursday morning after a Lagos Ferry (LagFerry) boat caught fire at the Ipakodo Jetty in Ikorodu.

The fully loaded boat, preparing to depart for Victoria Island, reportedly went up in flames around 6:45 a.m. following a loud explosion inside.

The sudden blast triggered panic, with passengers scrambling for safety, some even jumping into the water.

According to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the LagFerry boat, “Igbega Eko,” had 19 passengers onboard at the time of the incident.

The agency confirmed that all nine injured individuals, including passengers, LASWA personnel, and LagFerry staff, were receiving medical treatment and showing significant improvement.

LASWA further stated that six of the victims were being cared for at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, where medical personnel were closely monitoring their recovery.

“Three others are receiving stable treatment at a private hospital, and no life-threatening conditions have been reported.

“LASWA is fully committed to collaborating with medical teams to ensure all affected individuals recover completely. We stand ready to support them and their families during this time.

The investigation into the cause of the incident is actively underway, and comprehensive safety reviews are being conducted to prevent any similar occurrences. We commend the swift response of emergency services and acknowledge the public’s cooperation during this event,” the agency posted on its official X account.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) also confirmed the incident, adding that its officers were on the ground to ensure that the fire did not escalate.