A 41-year-old man tragically lost his life in a fire outbreak that destroyed five rooms in a 35-room residential building in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 am on Monday at No. 158, Ile Alaparun, Alore area of Ilorin. According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire was reportedly caused by an explosion from one of the rooms, which contained inflammable materials.

Efforts to rescue the victim were unsuccessful, and the fire caused significant damage to the building before it was eventually brought under control.

Spokesperson of service Hassan Adekunle told our correspondent that “preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by spontaneous ignition in a room storing combustible materials, including petrol, batteries, and a tire inflator engine”.

Adekunle added: “Firefighters worked diligently to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing its spread to other areas.

“Ultimately, five rooms were affected, while 30 rooms were successfully saved.

“Tragically, the fire claimed the life of a 41-year-old man, identified as AbdulFatai from Ile Alate, Abayawo.

“The deceased had come to spend the night with a friend but was unable to escape due to intense smoke, which rendered him unconscious.

“His body was handed over to his family after the firefighting operation’’

Adekunle emphasised the critical importance of adhering to safety precautions to prevent fire hazards.