Several communities in Lagos have been thrown into darkness following a major gas tanker explosion along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, caused extensive damage to electricity infrastructure, disrupting power supply across multiple areas.
Confirming the development, Eko Electricity Distribution Company stated that the explosion affected key feeders, leading to widespread outages.
According to the company, the fire severely damaged the Ibeju and Medallion 33kV feeders, including critical conductors and overhead line equipment.
Affected communities include Medallion Company, Sangotedo, Majek, Awoyaya, Eputu, Lakowe, Lasoro, Fidiso to Kolajo, and areas around Elemoro Police Station.
“Our technical team is working diligently to replace the damaged components and restore power supply as quickly and safely as possible,” the company said, while apologising for the disruption.
The explosion followed a fatal collision involving a gas tanker and a 20-tonne tipper truck.
Reports indicate that the tipper truck, approaching from the Epe axis, rammed into a stationary gas tanker that had failed to properly pull off the highway.
The resulting impact triggered a massive fire outbreak that spread rapidly to nearby properties.
Officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the incident occurred around 2:36 a.m., with flames engulfing at least three warehouses and 10 roadside shops.
Several vehicles, including buses and cars, were also affected before emergency responders brought the situation under control.
The accident also resulted in fatalities, with two individuals confirmed dead, while the driver of the gas tanker reportedly escaped unharmed.
Authorities say recovery efforts are ongoing, while electricity engineers race to restore supply to affected communities.
The incident adds to growing concerns over road safety and infrastructure vulnerabilities in Lagos, particularly along high-traffic routes like the Lekki-Epe corridor.
Residents in the affected areas now face uncertainty as repair works continue, with no definite timeline yet for full power restoration.
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