UPDATED: ‘8 Killed’, Properties Razed In Devastating Lagos Gas Explosion

No fewer than eight people were killed and properties worth hundred of millions destroyed in a devastating gas explosion in the Baruwa area of Ipaja in Lagos state.

EkoHotBlog had reported the outbreak of the inferno earlier in the day. The incident occurred around 6am on Thursday.

Director-general of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said eight fatalities were recorded in the incident.

“The explosion occurred and the agency activated a response plan. Initial disaster assessment is as follows: casualties still being assessed but eight fatalities have been identified so far. 25 houses that are mostly bungalows, 16 lock-up shops and one primary school have been affected,” he said.

He said though the cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained, four persons died while several others were injured.

Oke said various agencies have been deployed at the scene of the inferno to prevent a further spread of the fire.

“On arrival at the scene of incident it was observed that there was a gas explosion at the aforementioned location,” he said.

“Further investigation at the scene revealed that the a gas station belonging to Best Roof Cooking Gas exploded by burning buildings around. The cause of the explosion could not be ascertained at the moment.

“Unfortunately, Four mortalities were recorded and several others injured. A combined effort of the Agency’s Tiger team, Dolphin team, LRU Fire, LASG Fire Service, NPF, NUPENG, and LNSC are on ground to curtail the spread of the fire to other buildings.”

On September 24, a gas explosion rocked the Ifako-Ijaiye area of Lagos. 16 persons were injured in the explosion and properties were destroyed.