Mobil Oil filling station beside the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital was this morning engulfed by fire as a result of gas explosion.
It was learnt that the explosion occurred at about 11 am on Thursday, when a gas tanker ignited as it was discharging its content into a surface storage tank at the station.
The incident caused fear among residents and workers in the area, who were forced to scramble to safety.
Eyewitnesses and emergency service officials on the scene told Sunrise News that no lives were lost, but many people were injured.
Witnesses also reported that some of the injured were rushed to hospitals in private vehicles and mini-buses before ambulances arrived.
Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on his “X” handle, shared an update: “Fire is out already. Thanks.”
In a post on X, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said: “At approximately 10:49 AM today, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a fire incident at the Mobil filling station, Allen Roundabout, near Airport Hotel. The fire involved a gas truck at the filling station, prompting an immediate response from the Alausa and Ikeja Fire Stations.
on arrival, the fire crews discovered that a gas truck was discharging its content into a surface storage tank when it ignited. The blaze quickly spread, engulfing eight vehicles, including the tanker itself, and affecting parts of the uppermost floor of a nearby two-storey building.
Several individuals sustained injuries and were transported to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for treatment. The exact number of injuries is still being determined, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In addition to the emergency responders, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, other agencies present at the scene to assist in managing the situation include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Mobil Fire Unit from Apapa, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).