A gas tanker explosion that rocked Ogun State communities on the Lagos border on Thursday has left about 30 persons with several injuries.
The massive fire resulted from the blast occurred in Iju-Ishaga and Iju-Ajuwon communities in Ifako-Ijaiye council area of Lagos State.
It was gathered that the explosion resulted from a gas tanker which suddenly went up in flames as it entered a ditch on its way to a new gas plant in a residential neighbourhood.
At least 23 buildings and 15 vehicles were burnt during the explosion.
Confirming this incident, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Southwest Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye said that their officials were immediately mobilised to the scene, as were fire servicemen, The Nation reports.
“Yes, a tanker exploded at Balogun Bus stop, Iju Ishaga. The tanker was trying to enter a gas plant when it exploded. There were domestic cylinders there and so, those ones also started exploding,” he said.
A lawyer, Fisayo Eluyare, who was among those who raised the alarm said the explosion nearly brought down his house.
He wrote: “Gas explosion nearly brought my house down! The explosion didn’t even happen very close to my house, but it shook the whole house and almost shattered my windows.”
“People sustained burn injuries but no deaths reported yet. We have contacted fire service. We appeal to people to stay away from the area,” he said.
The situation was later brought under control, vehicular movement restored.
Residents appealed to the state government to relocate gas plants operating in the residential area.
It was unclear at press time if anyone died in the incident.