Pregnant woman among nine injured in gas explosion at Lagos community

Nine people, including a pregnant woman, were injured in a gas explosion that occurred at Alaba lane in the Alayabiagba community of Ajegunle-Apapa area, Lagos state.

The incident happened on Tuesday at about 12:39 p.m.

The pregnant woman and eight others suffered varying degrees of burn injuries during the incident.

Margaret Adeseye, director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue, said in a statement that a suspected gas leakage triggered the explosion, and was worsened by a high-tension cable.

Adeseye said four commercial tricycles, six shops, and a section of a residential bungalow were damaged by the explosion.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that a suspected gas leakage triggered the explosion, subsequently igniting a high-tension cable, causing a fire outbreak,” the statement reads.

“The incident occurred in an area known for its gas cylinder trading activities.

“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Ajegunle and Sari-Iganmu Fire Stations with support from the Federal Fire Service, the fire was swiftly brought under control, preventing further devastation.

“Despite the prompt response, the incident inflicted damage on four commercial tricycles, six lock-up shops, and a section of a residential bungalow.

“However, firefighters managed to salvage nearby structures, including a critical fuel service station, mitigating potential additional losses.

“Tragically, nine individuals, including a pregnant woman and several children and adults, suffered varying degrees of burn injuries.”