UPDATED: 16 Persons Critically Injured In Lagos Gas Tanker Explosion – LASEMA
A gas tanker exploded on Thursday in the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos, leaving at least 16 persons critically injured and scores of building and cars destroyed.
This was confirmed by the Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.
The LASEMA boss said efforts are being made by his men to put out the resulting fire from the explosion with support from the Lagos State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
According to LASEMA investigations, an unknown truck conveying gasoline had a lone accident and exploded.
“The impact of the explosion led to fire on adjoining buildings and several vehicles burnt,” the agency said. “Several persons were injured and have been taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.”
Speaking at the site of the explosion, LASEMA’s Director of Operations, Engr Olatunde Akinsanya said 16 persons have been confirmed to be critically injured and taken to the Iju Water Works clinic.
Akinsanya added that the gas tanker explosion took place at about 3:30 pm.
The tanker was supposed to off load its content at a gas station, but the station’s owner reportedly refused to allow him because a seal had been broken, indicating that the content had been tampered with.
Enraged by the refusal of the station manager to off load the content in his tanker, the driver moved out of the premises.
A few meters away from the gas station, the front tire of the tanker burst and the gear box struck the ground causing a spark which led to an explosion when it came in contact with gas that was leaking from the tanker.
The vehicle ended in a ditch, where a second explosion erupted.
The second explosion sent the tanker flying and destroying buildings in its path, including a church.
The impact of the explosion spread about 300 radii from the scene of the incident, the LASEMA official said.
It was not yet clear at the time of reporting this story whether the driver of the tanker was still alive as he seemed to have sustained third-degree burns.
The All-Ijaw Elders Forum has condemned, in strong terms, the self-serving and relentless pursuit of…
The top Nigerian newspaper headlines for Saturday, 4th May 2024, can be accessed on this…
Nigeria's agricultural sector has long been a significant contributor to national growth, with the potential…
Police has identified the officer who shot a man dead during a fuel queue tumult in Lagos.…
A federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, Wednesday, convicted an extradited Nigerian, Okechukwu Osuji, for…
How Finidi beat Amuneke and others to clinch the Super Eagles coaching job has emerged.…