Guardian Nigeria
A pregnant woman was among those injured in an explosion that rocked Alaba Lane, Alayabiagba Community of Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos State yesterday.
The Guardian learnt that the incident, which occurred at about 12:39p.m was caused by gas cylinders.
According to sources, the fire was triggered by leakages from some gas cylinders traded within the neighbourhood.
However, a quick response by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) prevented the fire from consuming several buildings in the area.
‬It was curtailed in record time through the combined efforts of the Ajegunle and Sari-Iganmu Fire Stations of the LSFRS with the complement of the Federal Fire Service.
Four commercial tricycles, six lock-up shops, a bungalow part of some properties were razed down while some adjoining structures, including a major filling station was saved.
However, nine persons reportedly suffered burn injuries, including a pregnant woman, children and adults male and female.
They are recuperating at the Ajeromi General Hospital and Gbagada Burnt and Trauma Centre after being administered first aids by the Lagos State Ambulance Service.‬
MEANWHILE, LSFRS has warned the public, particularly motorists, against the indiscriminate storage of fuel in inappropriate locations.
Director, LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye emphasised the grave dangers posed by storing fuel in unauthorised areas, such as vehicle boots, under staircases at home, or within workplace premises.
Such practices, she said, significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks, endangering lives, environments, and properties.
“The safety of citizens and their surroundings is of paramount importance to the Lagos State government.
“The recent surge in emergency calls due to preventable incidents is deeply concerning.
“Consequently, the agency is intensifying its safety enlightenment campaign, targeting commercial facilities, public spaces and grassroots communities,” she said.
Adeyeye stressed that fuel scarcity does not justify illegal or unsafe storage practices.
She cautioned against repurposing jerry cans used for petrol storage for other flammable liquids and advised motorists, especially those operating commercial vehicles against storing petrol in their boots.
She also urged landlords and tenants to remain vigilant and prevent the improper storage of fuel on their premises.
“Filling stations are reminded to discourage customer clustering around dispensing pumps, as such behaviours can escalate into scuffles that may trigger fires. The dispensing of fuel in polythene bags is strictly prohibited.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any observed fire outbreaks promptly to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service through toll-free numbers as well as the Lagos Fire Hotline,” she stated.
