One person identified as Hassan Usman was on Thursday night killed and three others injured after a gas explosion occurred at the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State.
The explosion, which occurred at a gas station inside Amuwo Odofin Industrial Estate, was said to have caused panic among residents.
A witness, Wasiu Alabi, told reporters that they were frightened by a loud sound around 11pm, adding that even those who were already sleeping woke up and took to their heels.
“The loud bang took everyone unaware. People were running in different directions. Those who were already asleep woke up and ran too.
“I was still in my shop with some customers when all of a sudden we heard a loud bang like the sound of a bomb.
“We saw fire engulf Archers Gas Company. I knew that there must be casualty and I thought it would be more than what we saw when we arrived the scene.
“I thank God that the casualty figure is not more than one, but I am afraid with the conditions of the three others who were injured.
“Hassan Usman died on the spot while three others suffered serious burns. The injured were rushed to the hospital.
” I want to appeal to the state government and authorities concerned to look into the issues of siting gas stations in residential areas. This is too bad.
“We should thank God that the explosion did not occur in the day time. If it had happened in the day time, especially when customers were buying gas, it would have been more disastrous.”
A senior police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity at the Area E Command, Festac, confirmed there was a gas explosion at Archers Gas limited at about 11 pm, adding that one Bode Adelu, an assistant to the company’s Managing Director, reported the incident at the station.
“They reported that one person died, three others were injured while property worth millions of naira was destroyed. The complainants told us that the injured were rushed to a hospital in Mushin.
“Immediately we got the report, our DPO, CSP Gboyega Balogun, led a team of policemen to the scene where necessary things were done and the body of Usman was evacuated and taken to Mainland Hospital Mortuary for autopsy.
“We are yet to determine the cause of the explosion. We are investigating.”