Lagos Gas Explosion: 11 Shops Gutted

Gas Explosion Wrecks Havoc in Lagos Market, 11 Shops Burnt

“Investigations conducted revealed that the explosion originated from a gas retailer's shop where gas...”

A gas explosion at a market in Lagos, Nigeria, has destroyed 11 shops, including two gas retailers, and caused widespread damage.

A devastating fire outbreak occurred at the Boundary Market in Ajegunle, Lagos State, resulting in the destruction of 11 shops and properties worth millions of naira. The inferno was sparked by a gas explosion at a retailer's shop, where various sizes of gas cylinders were stored.

According to Olufemii Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the incident occurred on Tuesday, November 26.

The statement read, ”In response to distress calls via the 767/112 Toll Free Emergency numbers at 9:20 am, the LASEMA activated its Response Team from Onipanu Base.

“Upon arrival of the Eagle Response Team at the incident scene by 9:37 pm, it was observed that some shops at the Alayabiagba market were engulfed by fire.

“Investigations conducted revealed that the explosion originated from a gas retailer's shop where gas cylinders of various sizes were stored, as a result of gas leakage from one of the cylinders before spreading to other shops in the aforementioned location.

“Collaborative efforts of the cobra team with the firemen at the scene contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjoining buildings.”

The extent of the damage has been revealed by LASEMA officials, with a total of 11 shops affected by the fire. The impacted shops include two gas retailers and nine others selling a variety of items, such as clothing, phones, PVC pipes, and everyday essentials.

According to Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the fire has been successfully extinguished, and the scene has been managed to prevent any further incidents. This operation was made possible through a collaborative effort between LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, Dangote Fire Service, and other emergency responders.