Five dead in Lagos tanker explosion

Etim Ekpimah

Five people have died in Lagos tanker explosion which happened at Ogun State OPIC building on Friday around 12.33am.

According to Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) three charred bodies, which are unrecognisable were found in the rubble while the other two died in hospitals.

Director General/Chief Executive Officer, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency recorded 13 causalities. He added that 22 parked vehicles within the premises were damaged.

“The agency responded to a distress call shortly before midnight Thursday concerning an exploding gas tanker which was moving inward Ikeja at the above location.

“The resultant explosion affected the OPIC Plaza leading to an inferno which damaged 22 parked vehicles within the premises.

“First responders worked to control the spread to the adjacent properties as well as the nearby petrol station until 0400hrs Friday. Thirteen people were rescued, nine males, four females: they sustained various degrees of burns and were provided with pre-hospital care before they were taken to Lagos State health facilities for further treatment.

“A combined team of agency firefighters, Lagos Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service were coordinated by the agency while the Director of Lagos Fire Services, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties, the Commissioner of Police were also in attendance at the scene.

“The affected truck has been moved, the entire affected area cordoned off and post disaster assessment ongoing,” he said.

He noted that the ongoing post disaster assessment by their responders has unearthed three yet to be identified male bodies in the rubble. First responders (LRU FIRE) have returned to the scene to avert any secondary explosion.

He, however, advised members of the public to take alternative routes to advert gridlock, which is common with such happening.