By Heraldviews
At least 15 people have been injured after a gas explosion ripped through a residential area in Lagos on Sunday afternoon.
The blast occurred around 16:10
local time on Amosu Street in the Ijora Badia district of Apapa-Iganmu Local
Council Development Area.
Cause of the Explosion
According to the Lagos State
Fire and Rescue Service, the fire started due to a gas leak from a 25kg
cylinder inside a small shop. The leak ignited after coming into contact with a
nearby flame, triggering the explosion.
The shop was one of seven
commercial outlets located within a bungalow that also housed 15 self-contained
rooms. Five gas cylinders were reportedly stored in the affected shop.
Emergency Response
Firefighters from the Sari
Iganmu Fire Station quickly arrived at the scene, supported by the Lagos State
Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps
(LNSC), and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
Margaret Adeseye, Director of
the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the fire was
successfully extinguished and the remaining gas cylinders were safely removed.
Casualties and Treatment
Fifteen people, including
adults and children, suffered burn injuries of varying severity. Some victims
received first aid at the scene, while others were taken to nearby hospitals
for further treatment.
Authorities confirmed that none
of the injuries were life-threatening.
Restoration of Normalcy
Ms. Adeseye assured residents
that the situation had been brought under control and that there was no further
danger to the community.
"Normalcy has been restored,"
she stated.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents described
scenes of panic as people fled the area following the explosion.
"The sound was
terrifying—everyone started running," said one witness. "We’re just
thankful no one died."
Safety Concerns
The incident has raised
concerns over the handling of gas cylinders in densely populated areas.
Authorities have urged businesses and residents to ensure proper storage and
handling of flammable materials to prevent future accidents.
Further Updates Expected
Officials are continuing to
assess the damage, and an investigation into the exact circumstances of the
explosion is underway.
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