A gas explosion on Sunday afternoon caused chaos and panic at the Orisunmibare Market in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos State, forcing traders and residents to flee for safety as thick black smoke engulfed the area.
The incident, which occurred around 2:13 p.m., reportedly originated from a gas retail outlet within the busy market, where several cylinders exploded in quick succession.
Confirming the development, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said firefighters from the Sari-Iganmu and Ilupeju stations were swiftly deployed to the scene. Their prompt intervention, she noted, prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining shops and residential buildings.
“Swift responses from the Sari-Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Stations brought the situation under control, preventing further escalation after several shops were affected,” Adeseye stated.
She confirmed that there were no fatalities, though one person sustained a minor hand injury.
“Operations at the market have been concluded. No lives were lost, except for one minor hand injury sustained at the gas retail shop,” she added.
Adeseye also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining vigilance and ensuring quick response to emergencies across Lagos State.
In a separate incident earlier on Sunday, a 33,000-litre Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker with registration number AAB-942YC spilled its contents along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, near the Berger Car Depot.
The tanker, which was reportedly heading out of Lagos from the Apapa Terminal, collided with a Mercedes-Benz Jeep (registration number LSR-606HX) and seven other stationary vehicles displayed for sale along the expressway.
According to Adeseye, prompt intervention by fire crews from the Ajegunle and Ijegun-Egba stations prevented what could have been a major disaster.
“Swift response by the Fire and Rescue Service averted a potential tragedy. The remaining fuel is being safely transferred to another tanker, while recovery of damaged vehicles is ongoing,” she explained.
She assured residents that the situation was under control and that all necessary safety measures were being taken to prevent further incidents.
