The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the cause of the explosion that occurred in the Ijora-Badia area of Lagos on Sunday afternoon, leaving at least 15 people injured.
In a statement issued by the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, the explosion took place around 4:10 p.m. inside a mini shop containing 25kg gas cylinders.
The shop was situated within a bungalow that housed 15 self-contained rooms and seven other shops. According to Adeseye, the explosion was triggered by the mishandling of gas, leading to a leak that ignited upon contact with an open flame.
“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,” she confirmed.
Adeseye stated that the fire was quickly brought under control by firefighters from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station, with support from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and LASAMBUS.
While no lives were lost, 15 individuals, including men, women, and children, sustained varying degrees of burns. Some victims received first aid treatment at the scene, while others were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical attention.
The Fire Service Director also assured residents that the area has been fully secured and normalcy has returned.