8 people killed in Lagos gas explosion [PHOTOS]

Not less than eight people have been killed in the gas explosion that occurred in Baruwa community, in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, TopNaija reports.

The explosion, which reportedly emanated from the Best Roof Cooking Gas, occurred around 5.45am on Thursday.

The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency’s emergency response unit had been deployed in the area, adding that the explosion razed houses, shops, and a primary school.

He said, “The explosion occurred and the agency activated a response plan. Initial disaster assessment is as follows: casualties still being assessed but eight fatalities have been identified so far. 25 houses that are mostly bungalows, 16 lock-up shops, and one primary school have been affected.

“Firefighters and rescue workers are operating at the incident scene. Gas emission has been identified and curtailed. Damping down is ongoing.

“Post-disaster assessment will be carried out and further updates provided.”

See more photos from the scene below.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed to impose stiffer measures against gas plants operators in the state in a bid to avert needless loss of lives and properties in the State.

Eight people were burnt to death, with properties worth several millions of naira destroyed at Baruwa area of Lagos where a gas explosion occurred on Thursday.

He expressed deep sorrow over a gas explosion that claimed lives and destroyed properties worth several millions of naira, describing the incident as a sad memory in the life of the administration.

He said: “The gas explosion this morning has left a sour taste in my mouth. It is a reminder of the dark episode of March this year at Abule Ado Soba when innocent lives were lost to gas explosions of monumental proportion and properties destroyed. I really can’t believe that we would witness another such incident, no matter how little.”

“I wish to therefore register my heartfelt condolences to the families of those that lost their loved ones in the fire. I pray that God grant their souls eternal rest.

“The reports I got showed that the explosion could have been avoided if the operators of the gas plant had adhered to safety guidelines. Lives would have been saved and properties too would not have been affected.”