Funke Busari, Lagos
Contrary to reports that 30 people died on Thursday in the Gas Explosion that occurred at Cele Bus stop area of Iju Ishaga, Lagos State, information has it that no life was lost in the inferno, this is official said Lagos State Safety Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA Head, Public Affairs, Nosa Okunbor.
He also informed that the inferno has been put off completely and stated the total number of 30 people, consisting of 20 adult males and 10 adult females were seriously injured.
The agency stated that its post disaster assessment indicated the losses of two residential buildings, a church, and an event centre.
Others losses were four commercial buildings, a market (consisting of 15 shanty shops), 11 cars, two mini trucks, an heavy duty truck and a bus.
The information puts the total number of buildings and vehicles at 23 and 15 respectively.
He said responders at the scene were the LASEMA Response Team, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit, LRU Paramedics, LRU Fire team, Lagos State Fire Service, National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, Nigeria Police, NPF, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and Red Cross.
Earlier the agency had said on arrival at the scene it observed that there was a gas explosion at the fire scene.
“Further investigation revealed that an unknown truck conveying gasoline had a lone accident and exploded.
“The impact of the explosion led to fire at adjoining buildings and several vehicles were burnt.
“Several persons were injured and have been taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.”
In a related situation report, 15 people were admitted at Iju Waterworks Clinic, two were referred to General hospital, three are on critical observation and 10 are being treated, Ibrahim Farinloye the acting Coordinator, Lagos Territorial Office, NEMA stated.
He listed that 16 vehicles, two tricycles, two gas tankers, S&Y Event Centre and a church building were affected in the incident that started at 3:05 p.m.
Others affected according to NEMA was a block industry and attached office, a cement store and a sawmill was affected and several stores where building materials were being sold.
