Pregnant woman, 9 others hospitalised after Apapa gas explosion

Nine individuals, including a pregnant woman, sustained injuries in a gas cylinder explosion on Tuesday at Alaba Lane, Alayabiagba Community in Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos.

A source informed that school children returning home were particularly affected by the explosion, which occurred around 1:30 pm. The source recounted that two tricycles were engulfed in flames, and several children suffered injuries. One young man was severely affected, with his skin peeling off, but was swiftly taken to Gbagada General Hospital for treatment.

Margaret Adeseye, Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, stated that a preliminary investigation indicated that a gas cylinder, among many traded within the neighborhood, leaked and ignited, leading to the snapping of a high-tension cable and subsequent fire outbreak.

Tragically, the incident left nine individuals, including a pregnant woman, children, and adults, with varying degrees of burn injuries. The combined efforts of Ajegunle and Sari-Iganmu Fire Stations of LSFRS, along with the Federal Fire Service, contained the fire, though it razed four commercial tricycles, six lock-up shops, and a part of a bungalow.

Adeseye confirmed that the injured victims were transported to hospitals for treatment, with some receiving initial aid from the Lagos State Ambulance Service. The victims are currently undergoing treatment at Ajeromi General Hospital and Gbagada Burnt & Trauma Centre.

During a visit to the area by a correspondent later on Tuesday, the affected zone was cordoned off, with some tricycles still present in the vicinity.