Following a gas explosion at Alaba Lane, Alayabiagba Community, in the Ajegunle-Apapa area of Lagos State, eight additional people, including a pregnant mother whose identity is still unknown, suffered varied degrees of injuries.
From what was learned, the incident happened on Tuesday at approximately 12:39 p.m.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Public Education, Amodu Shakiru, confirmed the incident to our correspondent. He said that an initial investigation found that one of the gas cylinders in the area that was traded was possibly triggered by a leak, which broke a high-tension cable and caused a fire.
He continued by saying that the fire damaged a part of a bungalow structure, six lock-up stores and four commercial tricycles.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that several various gas cylinders traded within the neighbourhood have one triggered by a suspectable leakage leading to the snapping of a high-tension cable and resultant fire.
“Four commercial tricycles, six lock-up shops, and a bungalow part of the properties were razed down while salvaging adjoining structures, including a major fuel service station,” Shakiru said.
He stated that the incident was quickly contained by the Federal Fire Service, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the fire stations in Ajegunle and Sari-Iganmu.
Shakiru noted that the pregnant woman and the other victims were receiving treatment at the Gbagada Burn & Trauma Centre and Ajeromi General Hospital following initial care provided by the Lagos State Ambulance Service.
“However, nine people reportedly suffered different degrees of burn injury, including a pregnant woman, children, and adults, male and female, who are recuperating at the Ajeromi General Hospital and Gbagada Burnt & Trauma Centre after some first aid by the Lagos State Ambulance Service.
“The incident was curtailed in record time through the combined efforts of the Ajegunle and Sari-Iganmu Fire Stations of the LSFRS with the compliment of the Federal Fire Service.”
