Six-month-old infant survives after emergency responders contained a fire caused by an unattended gas leak in Ogbomoso

The Oyo State Fire Service has rescued a six-month-old baby from a residential fire caused by an unattended gas leak at Olomi Compound in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, preventing what officials described as a potentially devastating tragedy.

Also read: Abia Police Arrest 2 Suspects in Firearm Possession Crackdown

The incident occurred at about 8:38 p.m. on Saturday when a fire broke out on the ground floor of a private one-storey building containing three rooms.

According to eyewitnesses, the blaze was triggered by an unattended liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leak before spreading through part of the building.

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Reform, Morrof Akinwande, said the agency received a distress call from Mr Abiodun Mayowa, prompting an immediate emergency response.

“At exactly 20:38hrs, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, our office received a distress call through a telephone call from Abiodun Mayowa about a house on fire at the Olomi Compound area of Ogbomoso,” Akinwande said.

He explained that firefighters, led by Principal Fire Superintendent II (PFS II) Oluwaleye, were swiftly deployed to the scene.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the ground floor of a private one-storey residential building, comprising three rooms, was engulfed by fire.

“The firefighting crew swiftly commenced operations and successfully extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the upper floor of the building and adjoining property.”

Akinwande said the Oyo firefighters rescue baby operation was completed successfully, with the infant brought out alive from the burning building.

“A baby of about six months was successfully rescued alive from the burning building. The fire was caused by an unattended gas leak,” he added.

Following the operation, fire officers conducted an on-the-spot fire safety awareness session for residents and bystanders, educating them on measures that could help prevent similar incidents.

Akinwande urged members of the public to observe basic fire safety practices by ensuring that LPG cylinders and gas appliances are properly installed, routinely inspected and adequately maintained.

He also encouraged homeowners, shop owners and office operators to install suitable fire extinguishers and ensure occupants understand how to respond during emergencies.

Domestic fires linked to gas leaks remain a recurring safety concern in Nigeria, particularly in densely populated residential areas where faulty installations, poor maintenance and unattended cooking appliances frequently contribute to fire outbreaks.

Also read: Soaring Cooking Gas Prices Push FCT Residents to Firewood

Fire authorities have continued to intensify public awareness campaigns, urging residents to adopt preventive safety measures to reduce avoidable incidents and protect lives and property.