Lagos Residents Scamper for Safety as Tanker Explosion Destroys Dozens of Shops

A devastating fire engulfed 18 shops on Agbado Road, Iju Ishaga, Lagos State, on Tuesday night, caused by a gas tanker explosion.

According to a press statement from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the incident occurred around 10pm, starting from a gas tanker that accidentally caught fire and exploded.

The fire quickly spread to the other side of the street, aided by a gas cylinder located there. However, the situation is now under control, with no further explosions reported. Firefighters are currently working to dampen down and clear the scene.

The cause of the fire was attributed to the off-loading of six 75-50(kg) gas cylinders from a stationary mini-truck to a gas shop. An accidental explosion from one of the compromised cylinder head caps triggered the fire, which then spread to nearby shops and the mini-truck.

Thankfully, there were no casualties or injuries reported as emergency operations concluded. This incident follows closely after another fire outbreak in Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki, where a fire started in one of the shanty rooms and spread to adjoining buildings within the estate.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) activated the State Emergency Response Plans in response to distress calls, ensuring a prompt and coordinated effort to contain the fire.