A gas station has exploded in the Baruwa community of the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, leaving eight people dead and others injured.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the Best Roof gas plant, Baruwa, before Fashola Filling Station.
According to the Acting Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, the incident occurred around 5:40 am at Candos Road, Baruwa Inside when a Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker was in the process of discharging at the Best Roof Gas Plant Station.
He said: “Unfortunately, the gas station had its generator on and it triggered an explosion.
“The explosion threw the discharging tanker across the road."
Explaining the losses recorded in the explosion, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed that 25 houses (mostly bungalows), 16 lock-up shops and one primary school was also affected by the fire incident.
LASEMA Director-General, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said in a statement: “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."
In a related development, Hon Bisi Yusuff, Member of Lagos House Of Assembly representing Alimosho Constituency 01also visited the venue of the incident.
"While commending the members of emergency responders for curtailing the spread of the inferno while maintaining peace and order within the perimeter, he also said: "It is high time we checked the approval of gas plants and petrol stations along residential lines.
We have lost so much recently, and we could possibly lose more if we don't take that drastic move on checking what the cause is and its effects on the lives of the people. It is a matter of urgent importance and I will put up my light to add my voice on the floor at the next plenary."
