Lagos Workshop Fire Destroys 21 Exotic Cars, Moses Benz Estimates ₦1bn Loss

A fire outbreak at a Mercedes-Benz workshop in the Isheri-Idimu area of Lagos has destroyed about 21 exotic vehicles, with the business owner, popularly known as Moses Benz, estimating his losses at nearly ₦1 billion.

The fire reportedly affected customers’ vehicles, cars belonging to the workshop owner and a stock of spare parts at the facility on Oladunni Street in Alimosho Local Government Area.

Moses Benz disclosed the estimated losses during an interview with Mohammed Lexus, who visited the damaged workshop after the incident.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that about 21 vehicles were affected. However, the agency said emergency responders prevented the flames from spreading to a nearby petrol station.

How the fire started at Moses Benz’s workshop

According to Moses Benz, the incident began in the early hours of Friday after his security guard contacted him by phone.

He said he checked the workshop’s CCTV footage and noticed flames behind the security booth. He immediately rushed to the premises but found that the fire had already spread.

The workshop owner said the blaze destroyed several customers’ vehicles, some of his personal cars and valuable spare parts.

He estimated the total damage at almost ₦1 billion, highlighting the value of some of the vehicles that were inside the facility.

As an example, he said a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S could sell for between ₦140 million and ₦150 million in the Nigerian market.

Moses Benz raises concerns over firefighters’ response

The car dealer also expressed frustration over the response time of firefighters.

He claimed that emergency responders took more than three hours to reach the scene and repeatedly complained that there was no water available to fight the flames.

His account has raised questions about the emergency response to the incident. However, LASEMA’s official statement did not specify how long firefighters took to arrive.

LASEMA confirms 21 vehicles affected

LASEMA provided details of its intervention through its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

According to the agency, its Dolphin Response Team in Igando was activated after receiving a distress call about the fire.

The team worked alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the police to contain the situation.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the coordinated response prevented the fire from spreading to the neighbouring petrol station, which could have created a more serious emergency.

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A preliminary assessment showed that approximately 21 exotic vehicles were affected, while part of a nearby building sustained minor damage.

LASEMA also confirmed that no life was lost and no injuries were recorded.

Cause of Lagos workshop fire remains unknown

The cause of the fire has not been officially established.

Some residents and customers reportedly suspect that the incident may have been deliberate, but no investigation findings have been released to confirm those suspicions.

LASEMA urged workshop operators and businesses handling inflammable materials to prioritise fire safety and maintain appropriate emergency precautions.

The agency also reminded residents that its emergency response numbers are 767 and 112.

The incident has left the Mercedes-Benz workshop with extensive damage, while the exact financial impact remains subject to a full assessment.