Shops Razed As Gas Explodes In Lagos Market

Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service crews on Saturday battled a blaze that broke out at a market in Ikotun, Lagos, engulfing several shops.

According to authorities, the fire stemmed from a gas cylinder explosion at one of the shops around 2:10 p.m. today.

“Shops are on fire at a Market at Council Bus Stop which resulted from leakage of a gas cylinder in use at one of the shops which led to an explosion and spread to several other shops,” confirmed Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in a statement.

Firefighters from Ejigbo and Isolo stations are tackling the flames, joined by personnel from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and the Nigerian Police Force from Ikotun Division.

Initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by negligence during gas cylinder refilling. At least seven shops are believed to be affected, with significant damage to wares. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported as of this writing.