Lagos Gas Blast Kills 2, Destroys Warehouses, Shops

At least two people were on Saturday confirmed dead in a gas explosion that occurred along the Lekki-Epe Expressway at Tera Ahmed bus stop, Sangotedo, in Ajah axis of Lagos State following a collision between a gas tanker and a tipper truck.

It was gathered that as the collision sparked inferno several properties, including warehouses and roadside shops were destroyed by fire.

Confirming the incident, the director of public affairs of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Amodu Shakiru, said the fire had been extinguished as of the time of filing this report.

Subsequently in a statement signed by the controller general of the agency, Margaret Adeseye, the Service said it had brought the situation under control.

According to her, “The accident which was alerted at 02:36 wee hours Saturday saw Lekki Phase II, Oniru and Epe II Fire Stations of the agency raced to the scene after it was reported that an oncoming speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from the Epe end rammed from behind into a stationed 30-tonne gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway.

“The resultant effects culminated in fire spreading to three adjoining warehouses and 10 roadside shops, including a gym and generator house, before the fire was put out, saving a Total Petrol Filling Station, its fully loaded 33,000-litre PMS tanker and a host of properties,” the statement read.

She explained that three Sienna buses, one Toyota Corolla car and a forklift were recovered from the affected premises after the blaze was doused.

The agency disclosed that the tipper driver and his assistant, both male adults, were burnt beyond recognition, while the driver of the gas truck escaped unhurt.

Also confirming the tragic incident, permanent secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu said, ‘’Upon the arrival of our Shark Team at the scene, it was discovered that a tipper truck with an unidentified registration number had rammed into a gas tanker from behind, resulting in a fire outbreak.

‘’From preliminary investigations conducted at the scene, it was determined that the immediate cause of the incident was the driver of the tipper truck’s over-speeding and reckless driving.

‘’Regrettably, the driver of the tipper truck, an adult male, died as a result of the impact. Two adult females sustained minor injuries and were promptly administered first aid by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Services.

‘’It was also observed that the resulting fire engulfed four roadside shops, causing significant damage. The tanker’s contents remain trapped within the vehicle, and recovery operations are currently ongoing.

‘’Our Shark Team, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and LASAMBUS officials, responded swiftly and successfully curtailed the spread of the fire, preventing it from escalating to adjoining buildings.

‘’LASEMA can also confirm that the fire has now been brought under control, while recovery operations continue. We will provide further updates as necessary.’’