LAGOS, NIGERIA, Panic gripped residents of Ijora Badia in Lagos State on Sunday afternoon after a massive gas explosion rocked a mini shop, leaving 15 people injured and several homes and businesses shaken.
The blast occurred around 4:10 PM in the Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area when a 25kg gas cylinder, stored with five others in a small shop, exploded due to a leak ignited by a nearby flame. The fire quickly spread through the building, a bungalow housing 15 single-room apartments and seven shops, before emergency services rushed to the scene.
According to Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the explosion was caused by the mishandling of gas products, allowing gas to escape and come into 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,” Adeseye explained.
Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded, and all 15 victims, who suffered varying degrees of burns, are receiving treatment, either at the scene or in nearby hospitals. None of the injuries were reported to be life-threatening.
The swift response from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station, along with support from LASEMA, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and LASAMBUS, helped to contain the fire before it could spread further.
This incident follows a deadly March 2025 gas explosion on Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed five lives, reigniting concerns about gas safety and storage practices across the state.
Key Takeaways:
- 15 injured in Lagos gas explosion at Ijora Badia.
- Caused by gas leak from poor handling, ignited by open flame.
- Scene involved 25kg gas cylinders in a mini shop.
- No deaths reported, all injuries treated promptly.
- Authorities urge strict gas safety awareness to prevent future tragedies.
Lagos residents are once again reminded: one spark is all it takes. Stay safe, handle gas with care.
