A gas explosion on Sunday afternoon caused panic at the Orisunmibare Market in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos State, leaving traders and residents scampering for safety as thick smoke billowed into the sky.
The incident, which occurred around 2:13pm, was traced to a gas retail outlet within the busy market, where several cylinders of varying sizes reportedly exploded in quick succession.
Confirming the incident, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said firefighters from the Sari-Iganmu and Ilupeju stations were immediately deployed to the scene.
Their intervention, she said, prevented the fire from spreading to nearby shops and buildings.
“Swift responses from the Sari-Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Stations brought the situation under control, preventing further escalation after several shops were affected,” Adeseye said.
She confirmed that no lives were lost, though one person sustained a minor hand injury.
“Operations at the market have been concluded. No fatalities were recorded in either incident, except for one minor hand injury sustained at the gas retail shop,” she added.
Adeseye assured all that the agency remains vigilant in preventing fire outbreaks and other emergencies across the state.
“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service continues to maintain vigilance to ensure public safety and the swift management of emergency situations across the state,” she said.
In a separate incident earlier on Sunday, a 33,000-litre Premium Motor Spirit tanker with registration number AAB-942YC spilled its contents along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, near the Berger Car Depot.
The tanker, which was reportedly en route from the Apapa Terminal outward Lagos, collided with a Mercedes-Benz Jeep with registration number LSR-606HX and seven other stationary vehicles displayed for sale.
Adeseye said the agency’s prompt response prevented what could have been a major disaster.
“Prompt intervention by the Fire and Rescue Service prevented the spill from escalating into a secondary incident.
“The remaining fuel is currently being transferred to another tanker, while efforts are ongoing to recover the damaged vehicles and conclude operations safely,” she stated.
Adeleye confirmed that fire crews from the Ajegunle and Ijegun-Egba stations were deployed to the scene, where recovery operations continued into Sunday evening.
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