A gas explosion in the Ajegunle-Apapa neighbourhood of Lagos State injured nine people, one of them was a pregnant mother.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) blamed the explosion on a gas leak that ignited a high-tension wire, resulting in a fire breakout in an area renowned for its gas cylinder trade activities.
“Tragically, nine individuals, including a pregnant woman and several children and adults, suffered varying degrees of burn injuries,” the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said late yesterday.
“They received immediate medical attention from the Lagos State Ambulance Service and are currently undergoing further treatment at the Ajeromi General Hospital and Gbagada Burnt & Trauma Centre.”
The explosion damaged four business tricycles, six lock-up shops, and a part of a residential home.
However, according to LSFRS, firefighters were able to save surrounding structures, including a key gasoline service station, preventing more losses.
A similar incident occurred some days ago in adjacent Ogun State. A tanker carrying petrol crashed into the famed Itaoshin market in Abeokuta, killing one and injuring two more.
“The crash occurred at about 1610 hrs involving a tanker laden with gas. The number of people involved was six and all male adults. Two got injured and unfortunately, one person died which is the motor boy who was trapped,” the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Florence Okpe said.
“The fire service was contacted immediately and the scene was cordoned off to avoid a secondary crash.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State visited the explosion site following the event and promised compensation to those impacted in the South-West state.
