The Kwara State Fire Service has attributed the late-night Sunday fire that destroyed the mini-store of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital’s pharmacy to an explosion from an air conditioning system.

The fire, which occurred on the last floor of Building 7, where the pharmacy’s mini-store was located, was contained to that area, sparing the rest of the two-storey building, which houses 12 wards, a laboratory, and cash offices, from significant damage.

Hassan Adekunle, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, stated on Monday that the fire service responded promptly to the incident, preventing further destruction.

“On Sunday, April 14, 2024, at about 19:31 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service swiftly responded to a fire incident at Building 7, last floor, specifically at the Pharmacy’s mini-store of the UNILORIN Teaching Hospital.

“Upon arrival, the fire crew immediately began efforts to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

“The building, a two-storey structure housing 12 wards, two pharmacies, a side lab, and cash offices, was fortunately spared from extensive destruction, with only an office and the pharmacy’s mini-store affected by the fire.

“Investigations revealed that the fire originated from an office where an air conditioner had been left running since Friday, causing excessive heat buildup and leading to the outbreak.” Adekunle stated.

Adekunle urged residents to prioritize safety measures and remain vigilant in preventing future fire incidents.

He added, “The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service emphasised the importance of prioritising safety at all times, urging the general public to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing such incidents in the future.”

Recall that last Tuesday, a separate fire incident in the Tanke area of Ilorin destroyed property worth millions of Naira.

Adekunle, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, noted that the absence of fire-retardant materials and the combustible nature of the building’s materials contributed to the escalation of the fire.