Tragedy struck on Thursday when fire gutted the popular Mobil petrol station, in front of the Airport Hotel, Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikeja, Lagos, following gas truck explosion, with two persons sustaining burn injuries and property worth millions of naira destroyed.

According to an eyewitness, the incident, which occurred at 11 a.m., destroyed seven vehicles in the process. Fortunately, no loss of life was recorded.

Further investigation conducted at the scene revealed that the fire was attributed to explosion of a 12 ton gas truck, with registration number unknown, which impacted several cars within the filling station and a nearby building.

Also, the second floor of a two-storey building beside the gas station was also affected.
According to Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, “There were no fatalities as a result of the incidence. 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.”

Meanwhile, as at 2p.m., the fire has been brought under control by men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service preventing it from spreading further to surrounding buildings, while rescue operation was still ongoing.

The incident led to traffic gridlock in the area as emergency team cordoned off the area, including the busy Obafemi Awolowo Road. Motorists were diverted to alternative routes.

Also speaking on the incident, Director, Lagos Fire Service, Margaret Adeseye, explained that the incident occurred when a gas truck was discharging its content into a surface storage tank and suddenly ignited.