Lagos explosion: Death toll rises to five, 150 residents displaced

The death toll from the pipeline explosion which occurred in Abule-Egba, Lagos, on Sunday night, has risen to five.

A pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) exploded in the Abule-Egba area of the state, which caused panic among the residents of Ile Epo and Ekoro road. Thick smoke billowed from the explosion scene.

Several buildings and articulated vehicles were engulfed in the inferno, which was said to have begun after suspected vandals tampered with the pipelines transporting petroleum products.

Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, director-general of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, gave updates on the losses suffered from the incident, saying the five people killed included three adult males, one female and a five-year-old child.

He said at least 20 people were injured while several residents have been displaced.

“Five fatalities including three adult males, one adult female and a five-year-old child were discovered. Also, 20 people were treated for minor injuries and discharged at the scene, while 150 people including children were displaced,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

“The buildings affected are a storey building at No 18 Musa Erimo Street and four buildings, including a storey building and three bungalows on No 1, No 2, No 7 and No 20, Joel Nnadede Street, in Ekoro. Also, on Hamed Sodiq Street, a two-storey building on No 2 and two bungalows on No 4 and No 8 were affected, while on the NNPC power line road, three bungalows on No 45, No 47 and No 49 were razed.

“Seventeen shops and 39 vehicles, including 33 trucks, three cars and three tricycles were also affected. We will continue to keep members of the public abreast with updates.”