EIGHT people have been reported dead in a gas explosion that occurred at Baruwa community, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
It was learnt that the incident, which occurred around 6am on Thursday, left several residents severely injured.
As of the time of writing this report, seven people had been reportedly taken to the hospital due to injuries sustained in the inferno.
The incident, according to sources, was caused by leakage from one of the gas bottles located within the gas station.
Meanwhile, several houses and cars were also reportedly razed by the fire from the explosion.
A team of the Lagos Fire Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency was later drafted to the scene to stop the fire.
A resident, Mr Wasiu Aloba, said, “The incident is true, it is my area. Houses have been burnt and as I speak with you, eight people have died and several others injured.
“A combined effort of the Agency’s Tiger team, Dolphin team, LRU Fire, LASG Fire Service, NPF, NUPENG, and LNSC are on ground to curtail the spread of the fire to other buildings.”
It was learnt that 25 houses, 16 shops and a primary school were also affected by the fire.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the incident occurred around 6:00am, destroying several properties.
A member of the team, who preferred anonymity, said, “On arrival at the scene of the incident, it was observed that there was a gas explosion at the aforementioned location.
“Further investigation at the scene revealed that the gas station, belonging to Best Roof Cooking Gas, exploded by burning buildings around. The cause of the explosion could not be ascertained at the moment.”
