At least eight persons, including a pregnant woman yet to be identified, sustained injuries in a gas explosion that occurred at 12:39 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Alaba Lane, Alayabiagba Community, within the Ajegunle-Apapa area of Lagos State.
Amodu Shakiru, the Head of Public Education at the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the incident, attributing the gas explosion to a leaking cylinder that ruptured a high-tension cable, igniting a fire. The fire ravaged four commercial tricycles (Keke Napep), six lock-up shops, and a portion of a bungalow building.
“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.
“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.”