Two people have been confirmed dead and five others injured following a gas tanker explosion in the Ikeja area of Lagos State on Friday evening. The incident occurred around 6:35 p.m. during the transfer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) between two trucks, according to emergency responders. The explosion triggered panic in the area and drew swift response from multiple emergency agencies.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the fire was promptly brought under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. However, the force of the explosion was enough to cause significant damage to surrounding property. Officials also confirmed that the injured victims were immediately rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where they are currently receiving treatment.
In a statement, LASEMA attributed the explosion to a suspected gas leak during the offloading process. The agency stressed the importance of adhering strictly to safety protocols in the handling and transport of flammable materials. “This unfortunate incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in the petroleum industry,” a LASEMA official stated.
Friday’s explosion adds to the growing list of similar incidents in Lagos, raising concerns about the safety measures in place for LPG handling in urban environments. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the explosion and to ensure accountability.
