Gas explosion averted at LaCASERA Bus Stop, Mile 2

Etim Ekpimah

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has prevented a major disaster that would have occurred due to a gas pipeline leakage caused by activities of an excavator that accidentally crushed an underground gas pipeline.

A statement on Tuesday signed by the agency’s head, Public Affairs, Nosa Okunbor, said safe for the speedy intervention of LASEMA, proper Risk Assessment, and appropriate preventive measures, the accident would have resulted in another major disaster.

“Part of the rapid success was as a result of the quick shutdown of the operational valve feeding the pipe which resulted in the gradual reduction of the gas pressure till it was shutdown finally.

“This was followed by another round of blanketing of the entire area again by fire men for safety purpose,” the statement added.

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, speaking on the gas leakage at LaCasera Bus Stop Outward Mile 2, said: “Upon arrival at the scene of incident, the agency response team encountered a gas pipeline leakage.

“Further Investigation conducted revealed that an excavator belonging to a road construction company (HITECH) while working on the road accidentally crushed the gas pipeline.

“The entire area has been cordoned off while Lagos State Fire Service and LRU fire is blanketing the said pipe.

“The operational valve that feeds the pipe has also been shut down. The gas pressure is gradually shutting down.

“Residents are to refrain from igniting any form of flame or fire until it is safe to do so.

“Operation concluded. Road now opened for vehicular movements.”