Several shops in Lagos State were destroyed in a late-night fire on Tuesday when a gas tanker burst into flames along Agbado Road in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported that the fire broke out at 10:04 pm due to the accidental ignition of the gas tanker, causing an explosion that damaged nearby shops. The fire service was able to contain the spread and prevent further damage to the surrounding area, including a nearby petroleum filling station. There were no casualties reported in the incident.
Ibrahim Farinloye, the Lagos State Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Authority, revealed that the fire was a result of the tanker colliding with an electric pole while attempting to enter a premises for unloading, leading to a cable snapping and causing the explosion. Thanks to the swift response from emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire Services and NEMA, the fire was brought under control without any loss of life.
This incident comes just days after a fire gutted makeshift structures in the Ikate-Elegushi area of Lekki, Lagos. The fire affected residential makeshift structures on approximately an acre of land, causing significant damage to the area. These recent fires highlight the importance of fire safety and the need for effective emergency response strategies in densely populated areas. It is crucial for authorities to investigate the causes of these incidents and take measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.