At least 15 people have sustained burn injuries after a gas explosion rocked a mini shop in Ijora Badia, Lagos.
The blast, which occurred around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, was reportedly triggered by a leaking 25-kilogramme gas cylinder inside a shop situated within a bungalow complex.
The complex also housed 15 self-container rooms and seven additional shops, intensifying the extent of the destruction.
An eyewitness, Kabiru Ahmed, stated that the explosion caused widespread damage to property within and around the affected complex.
Emergency responders have contained the fire and evacuated all remaining gas cylinders to prevent further explosions.
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According to the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, the fire has been fully extinguished, and the situation brought under control.
Adeseye further disclosed that “Fifteen individuals, adult and children of both sexes, suffered varying degrees of burns. “
“Several victims received first aid on-site, while others were transported to nearby hospitals. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities, and none of the injuries are life-threatening.” she added.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the gas leak was ignited by an open flame in the vicinity, but investigations are still ongoing to confirm the exact cause.
The response team who managed the aftermath of the explosion was made-up of personnel from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Ambulance Service, and the Nigeria Police.
