News About Nigeria reports that a gas explosion has rocked the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, claiming the lives of three people.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon and was reportedly triggered by a 50-kg liquefied natural gas (LNG) cylinder.
The explosion took place at the frontage of a row of shops located at Abule Pan, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Ibeju Lekki.
Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud bang followed by flames engulfing the area, which caused panic among residents.
Margaret Adeseye, the Director/CEO of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to Adeseye, the explosion involved an industrial gas cylinder weighing approximately 50kg, which was positioned at the front of the shops.
Responding to the emergency, the Lekki Phase II Fire Station of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, along with personnel from Health Environment agencies, military officials, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Ibeju Lekki Local Government, collaborated to contain the inferno.
While investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, Adeseye said that preliminary findings suggest mishandling of the gas cylinder as a possible trigger.
Tragically, the explosion resulted in the loss of three lives, with another individual sustaining injuries in the incident.
Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State pledged compensation for those affected by a gas explosion in Abeokuta that claimed the life of one person and caused extensive damage to nearby buildings.
The governor made the commitment during his visit to the scene of the incident, where he also ordered an integrity test on the structures affected by the explosion.
Governor Abiodun inspected the site alongside members of the Ogun State Executive Council, the commissioner of police, officials from the state emergency management agency, and other first responders.
During his visit, Governor Abiodun expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured affected residents of the government’s support.
