NIGERIA: Gas Explosion Injures 15 In Lagos

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Not fewer than 15 people sustained varying degrees of burns following a gas explosion on Sunday afternoon, in the Ijora Badia area of Lagos State.

According to a statement by the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, the incident occurred around 4:10 p.m. within the Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area.

Adeseye explained that the explosion originated from a mini shop housing five 25 kg gas cylinders, one of which reportedly leaked due to mishandling. The escaped gas was ignited by a nearby flame, triggering a powerful blast.

Adeseye said: “It was a case of poor handling of gas products, which unfortunately allowed gas to escape and come in contact with a flame. This triggered the explosion.”

The affected shop was part of a bungalow comprising 15 self-contained rooms and seven other shops. The blast caused a fire that was quickly brought under control by emergency responders.

The director further added: “The resulting fire was swiftly extinguished, and the remains of the gas cylinders were safely evacuated. The danger was completely averted, and normalcy has since returned to the area.”

While no lives were lost, 15 individuals sustained burn injuries. Several victims received first aid at the scene, while others were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical attention. Adeseye confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Emergency response teams from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS) participated in the rescue efforts.

Sunday’s incident comes just weeks after a similar gas explosion along the Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in March 2025, which claimed five lives.