Oluwatobi Adu 
ABEOKUTA, Nigeria – A massive fire tore through the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone on Sunday, damaging industrial facilities and spreading rapidly to nearby residential buildings, residents and emergency officials say.
The blaze erupts within the industrial park, catching factory workers and residents off guard and forcing a swift emergency response as thick smoke billows across the area.
Emergency services rush to the scene to contain the inferno, but not before flames engulf several structures within the zone and extend into surrounding communities.
Authorities have yet to issue an official cause of the fire. However, residents allege that the incident begins with a gas explosion at a foam-manufacturing company operating within the park. “The fire starts suddenly after a loud explosion from one of the factories,” a resident says. “Before firefighters arrive, the flames have already spread to nearby houses.”
Eyewitnesses describe a fast-moving blaze fuelled by industrial materials, raising concerns about safety compliance and emergency preparedness within the free trade zone.
Local sources say many affected residents flee their homes as the fire advances, while business owners scramble to salvage equipment and goods.
Officials are expected to conduct a full investigation into the incident, including a review of safety protocols, industrial gas handling and the proximity of residential buildings to high-risk facilities.
Experts warn that industrial zones located close to residential areas pose significant safety risks if strict regulations and emergency systems are not enforced.
No official casualty figures are released as of press time, but residents report extensive property damage.
The Ogun State Government is yet to comment, though emergency agencies continue mop-up operations and damage assessments.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
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