Another gas explosion has rocked Lagos, as a gas station exploded in Baruwa area of Ipaja, Lagos.
The explosion, which occured early on Thursday, has claimed eight lives, razed 25 houses (bungalows) and 16 lock-up shops, according to Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA).
READ: NNPC explains cause of Sunday’s deadly explosion in FESTAC area of Lagos
The explosion, according to Director General of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, occurred around 6am.
He said emergency responders have been mobilised to the explosion site.
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But no fire services on ground according to reports as at the time this report was filed.
Oke-Osanyintolu said, “The explosion occurred and the agency activated a response plan. Initial disaster assessment is as follows: casualties still being assessed but eight fatalities have been identified so far. 25 houses that are mostly bungalows, 16 lock-up shops and one primary school have been affected.
“Firefighters and rescue workers are operating at the incident scene. The gas emission has been identified and curtailed. Damping down is ongoing.”
Explore Data on the Nairametrics Research Website
Initial disaster assessment is as follows:
Casualties still being assessed, 8 fatalities identified so far
25 houses (mostly bungalows)
16 lock up shops
1 Primary School
Updates will follow as firefighters and rescue workers continue to operate at the incident scene. https://t.co/MXj0YfjqhG— LRU #Call112 (@lasemasocial) October 8, 2020
READ: UPDATE: Massive explosion rocks FESTAC area of Lagos
Back story: Exactly two weeks ago, September 24, Nairametrics reported when a gas tanker explosion occurred at the Ifako-Ijaye area of Lagos with at least 50 people sustaining burn injuries.
According to a statement from LASEMA, an unidentified truck conveying gasoline had a lone accident and exploded.
It said that the impact of the explosion led to a fire outbreak on adjoining buildings with several vehicles burnt. It also pointed out that several persons were injured and have been taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.
It is more than one person that died,, this information is not true
What is exactly happening in Lagos, nowadays?
The question should go to all the Safety and Task Force Organizations.
We should stopped pretending as if all these happenings in Lagos and Nigeria are mysteries. We should stop deceiving ourselves.
Pls confirm before you start sharing news. Alot of people died not just one
There are lots of these gas stations around us. Who approved or authorised their operations in the first place? We have them in market place in my community and within our estate. I’m envisaging what would happen should there be any explosion God forbid.
Many years back, Buhari’s administration enacted a law to claimed certain setback space for high tension power lines in the country. The law forbade buildings under high tension and many structures were destroyed then.
Now back to gas pipelines explosions and petroleum products generally, I think its high time such a law were enacted and enforced with all fierceness and determination. I suggest 50m perimeter of the pipe lines and high tension power lines.
Certain types if catastrophes are really avoidable if governments have been proactive. Even the same law should be made and enforced and all structures within a certain distance from main roads should be destroyed. People should not build houses near or too close to high ways and motorable roads.
I dare say that our governments are all failures in safeguarding lives and properties. While should government agencies approve filling stations inside residential areas?
Are there any relief funds available for the victims?! Any agencies or churches that can help?