The unfortunate ferry fire incident at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal on Thursday, April 3, 2025, has resulted in a revised injury toll of nine individuals, as confirmed by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in a subsequent statement released on their official X (formerly Twitter) page. The affected individuals, comprising passengers, LASWA personnel, and Lag Ferry staff, are currently undergoing medical treatment at two separate healthcare facilities within Lagos State. Six of the injured are receiving care at the General Hospital in Ikorodu, while the remaining three are being treated at a private hospital. Encouragingly, all individuals are reportedly showing positive signs of recovery, with no life-threatening conditions reported. LASWA has pledged its full commitment to collaborating with the medical teams to ensure the complete recovery of all those affected and to provide necessary support to the victims and their families.
LASWA’s statement further detailed the distribution of the injured, with six individuals under observation at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, and three receiving treatment at an undisclosed private medical facility. The authority emphasized that all nine individuals are exhibiting promising signs of improvement and that no critical conditions have been observed. This clarification updates the initially reported figure of four injured passengers, providing a more comprehensive account of the impact of the incident. The authority reiterated its dedication to working closely with the medical professionals overseeing the patients’ care to facilitate their full recovery and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the affected individuals and their families throughout this challenging period.
The cause of the fire outbreak, which engulfed the Igbega Eko vessel at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal during the early morning hours, remains under investigation. LASWA is conducting a thorough inquiry to ascertain the origin and circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This investigative process will encompass a comprehensive review of safety protocols and procedures to identify any potential vulnerabilities and implement necessary preventative measures. The authority has expressed its appreciation for the prompt response of emergency services, whose swift action played a crucial role in containing the situation. The cooperation of the public during the incident was also acknowledged and commended by LASWA.
The initial report from PUNCH Online, published earlier on Thursday, had indicated that four passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries in the incident, which occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. However, the updated information from LASWA clarifies that the total number of injured individuals is nine, encompassing both passengers and personnel associated with LASWA and Lag Ferry. The discrepancy between the initial and revised figures likely stems from the evolving nature of the situation and the subsequent assessment of the full extent of the injuries. The statement emphasized the comprehensive approach being taken by LASWA, which includes both immediate medical care for the injured and a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident.
In response to the incident, LASWA has pledged to conduct exhaustive safety reviews and implement necessary measures to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents. This commitment underscores the authority’s recognition of the seriousness of the event and their dedication to ensuring the safety of passengers and personnel using the waterways. The comprehensive safety review will likely involve a detailed examination of existing protocols, equipment, and training procedures, with the aim of identifying any weaknesses or areas for improvement. This process will be crucial in enhancing safety measures and mitigating the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.
The ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire is a critical component of LASWA’s response to the incident. By thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the fire outbreak, the authority aims to identify any contributing factors and implement preventive measures to enhance safety standards. This commitment to a thorough investigation demonstrates LASWA’s dedication to transparency and accountability, ensuring that lessons learned from this incident will contribute to improved safety protocols and a safer environment for all users of the Lagos waterways system. The culmination of these efforts underscores LASWA’s commitment to ensuring the continued safety and reliability of water transportation within Lagos State.
