In a devastating turn of events, a gas explosion erupted Sunday midnight in the Horizon Heights area of Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos, consuming over two acres of residential makeshift structures.
Attributed to negligence, the inferno destroyed properties worth millions, prompting swift responses from emergency services. Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, and others battled the flames, preventing its spread to adjacent upscale properties.
Sixty-two gas cylinders discovered during firefighting exacerbated the situation, triggering simultaneous explosions. While the fire was extinguished by 1 a.m., evacuation and rescue operations continued, with at least two injuries reported.
The incident underscores the perilous consequences of negligence. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has initiated a fire safety campaign, emphasizing vigilance and adherence to safety protocols during the harmattan season, aiming to prevent such tragedies.