Lagos, Nigeria – At least 15 people, including children aged between nine and 12, suffered severe burns after a gas cylinder explosion in Ijora Badia, Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area of Lagos on Sunday.
As of the time of reporting, doctors were still treating the victims, who sustained varying degrees of burns.
Eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred around 4:10 p.m. at a mini shop on 12 Amosu Street. The incident was triggered when a 25kg gas cylinder, reportedly leaking due to mishandling, ignited after coming into contact with a nearby flame.
Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the incident, stating:
“The fire originated from a 25kg gas cylinder in a mini shop, one of five similar shops located within a bungalow housing 15 self-contained rooms and seven shops. Fifteen people—men, women, and children—sustained varying degrees of burn injuries. Some received first aid, while others were taken to the hospital. Fortunately, none of the cases are life-threatening.”
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She added that emergency responders successfully extinguished the fire, evacuated the gas cylinders, and restored normalcy.
The response team included the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, LNSC, and LASAMBUS.
