By Christopher Oji, Lagos
Two people have been confirmed dead and three others injured in a gas explosion that occurred at a retail shop in the Abule Folly area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, on Tuesday evening.
This is the second gas explosion in Lagos within a week, following a similar incident in the Ajegunle area that left 22 people with burns.
The explosion at Abule Folly reportedly claimed the lives of a male customer and a female employee, identified as the shop owner’s sister. Four shops were also completely destroyed by the fire.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the incident and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He stated that the police are investigating the cause of the explosion.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Elemoro Division, received information about an explosion that occurred in the area,” Hundeyin said. “He quickly mobilised officers to the scene.”
The injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, and the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the morgue.
“The value of the properties destroyed is still unknown. Fire fighters and other sister agencies were on ground to offer help,” Hundeyin added.