Five dead, eight injured in Lagos gas explosion

Etim Ekpimah

Five persons were on Thursday morning killed while eight had major burns in gas explosion that occurred at Best Roof Cooking Gas, which situates around Unity Bus Stop, Baruwa Estate, in the Ipaja area of Lagos State.

Director General/Chief Executive Officer, LASEMA, Dr Oluwafemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed this at the site of the gas explosion.

He said the explosion occurred around 6am, adding that gas emission has been identified and curtailed, though damping down is ongoing.  

He said, “Investigations indicate that this was an entirely avoidable incident caused by carelessness on the part of the operators.  

“Post-disaster assessment is as follows: 5 fatalities recovered; 8 casualties with major burns, who have been transferred to Gbagada General Hospital Burns Unit; 25 houses damaged of which 10 were classified as “Severely Affected.”

“Others are 16 shops razed by the fire; one private primary school; one hotel affected; three vehicles affected comprising of a pickup truck, tricycle and motorcycle.

“Presently ongoing is clearing and securing of the affected areas by joint teams of responders.  

“Lagosians are encouraged to report unsavoury and dangerous practices within their neighbourhoods to the relevant agencies which include Lagos Safety Commission, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency so that the government can engage in more prevention and precautionary measures including issuing contravention notices and sealing up premises to prevent these types of disasters.”

Head, Public Affairs, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Nosa Okunbor, said the cause of the explosion has yet to be ascertained, confirming that the outfit belongs to Best Roof Cooking Gas.

He said, “Unfortunately, five mortalities were recorded, and many others injured. A combined effort of the agency’s Tiger team, Dolphin team, LRU Fire, LASG Fire Service, NPF, NUPENG, and LNSC are on ground to curtail the spread of the fire to other buildings. Dampening down ongoing.”