A powerful explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Lagos destroys several buildings and kills a young boy.

Fires raged for hours. At least six buildings were destroyed in the blaze in the Nigerian commercial hub.

The fire took hold in the country's largest market, which houses goods sold throughout the country.

As firefighters come to the scene they have to proceed with caution.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) INFORMATION OFFICER, NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NEMA), IBRAHIM FARINLOYE, SAYING:

"These buildings are stored with explosives and we are hearing the sporadic shots in all these buildings so, that is the challenge we are having. It is very dangerous for our men as well to go in, because the governor would not want any of his men to be injured. So we are still on ground fighting the fire, and we are preventing it from escalating to other buildings."

Thousands of residents gathered to watch as the fire raged on.

Some shop owners returned to the scene trying to salvage what they could.