There is a fire incident at one of the retail outlets of ExxonMobil at Awolowo Road, opposite Airport Hotel, Allen junction, in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Emergency responders say that a gas cylinder had exploded at about 11am, affecting six vehicles, while the second floor of a two-storey building near the gas station was affected.
There are no casualties, but two adult males suffered severe burn injuries and have been taken to the nearest hospital.
The Agency’s Response Team alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, NEMA, LASBCA, and the Nigerian Police, were at the scene of the incident, even as they reported that the subsequent fire outbreak was under control, and was quickly contained by the Agency’s LRT and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to prevent it from escalating to the surroundings.
Quoting the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the News Agency of Nigeria reported that following the 12-tonne gas truck’s explosion, the agency responded to a distress call through the 767 and 112 Toll-Free Emergency lines at 11.08 a.m.
He said the agency activated its Tiger Response Team from the command and control centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
“Upon arrival at the incident scene, investigations conducted revealed that the fire was attributed to explosion of a 12-tonne gas truck, which impacted several cars within the filling station and portions of a nearby building.
“Two adult males suffered severe burns, while others sustained minor injuries.
“The injured individuals were promptly rescued and given immediate medical attention by the agency’s pre-hospital care team in collaboration with LASAMBUS before being transferred to LASUTH for further medical treatment.
“The cause of the incident is currently under investigations. Immediate and remote cause of the truck explosion had not been ascertained,” he said.
He said six cars were impacted by the fire and the second floor of a two-storey building beside the gas station was also affected. There were no fatalities as a result of the incidence.
“Safety measures were activated at the incident as part of measures to safeguard responders at the scene while the operation lasts.
“All responders are working fervently to ensure a quick and successful operation to restore normalcy to the environment.
“The fire has been brought under control and quickly contained alongside with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
“Operation is ongoing as we are preventing it from spreading further to surrounding buildings,” Osanyintolu said in a statement. (NAN)
Theresa Arike
