At least 15 people sustained injuries following a gas explosion on Sunday afternoon in Ijora Badia, located within the Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
According to a statement issued by Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the explosion occurred around 4:10 pm and involved a 25kg gas cylinder inside a mini shop housing five similar cylinders.
The shop where the fire reportedly began was situated in a bungalow containing 15 self-contained rooms and seven additional shops, highlighting the potential severity of the incident.
“It was a case of poor handling of gas products, which unfortunately allowed gas to escape and come in contact with a flame. This triggered the explosion,” Adeseye stated.
She explained that the explosion was caused by a gas leak, ignited by a nearby flame, leading to a sudden fire outbreak.
“The resulting fire was swiftly extinguished, and the remains of the gas cylinders were safely evacuated. The danger was completely averted, and normalcy has since returned to the area,” she added.
Adeseye confirmed that 15 victims suffered burn injuries, though none of the injuries were life-threatening. Some victims received first aid treatment on site, while others were taken to nearby hospitals for further medical attention.
The fire was brought under control through the combined efforts of the Sari Iganmu Fire Station, LASEMA (Lagos State Emergency Management Agency), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and LASAMBUS, the state’s emergency medical service.
This incident adds to the growing list of gas-related fire outbreaks in Lagos. Just last month, a gas explosion on the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of five individuals.
