Panic as pipeline explosion hits Lagos

A petroleum pipeline, yesterday, exploded in Isale Odo, Lagos State University (LASU) Road, Egbeda, Lagos after a 330Kv line high tension pole at the powerline bus-stop collapsed at about 1a.m. on Friday morning.

Residents, who took to social media for help revealed that there were causalities but cannot confirmed the number.

One of them, @IamHorlapo, said: “A year ago, we woke up to a gas explosion in Baruwa. Today, it’s another Pipeline explosion in the same Local Government, which has claimed life and property. God, have mercy upon us in this community.”

@iamoliver_may22: “Guys, please. My street in Baruwa is burning. Guys, please send help to Baruwa… There is a gas explosion and there is a power line in that area.”

Confirming the incident, the Southwest Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye said the electric cable, which collapsed on the spilled PMS led to sparks and explosion in the area.

He added that the pipeline corridor has been known to have spillage often due to activities of vandals and that Ikeja Electric Distribution Company and others have tried to isolate the 330 Line for safety reasons.

The fire is still raging but Farinloye said NNPC security and NSCDC have been on site to control the situation.

Although there is no confirmation of death, the explosion was said to have sent residents scampering for safety.

Farinloye advised residents of Igando, Idimu Axis to observe serious safety precautions.