The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gas explosion

  • Gas explosion claims three in Ibadan

    Gas explosion claims three in Ibadan

    No fewer than three persons were burnt beyond recognition when a gas tank exploded at Idi-Iroko, Amuloko, Ona-Ara local government area of Oyo State.

    The incident, which occurred on Friday night, also destroyed properties valued at millions 

    It was gathered that one of the victims was identified as the owner of the tank farm but the identities of the other victims could not be ascertained as at time of filing the reports.

    According to sources, the explosion occurred when  a gas tanker with registration number LSR268YC loaded with 15 tonnes capacity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) was offloading the content into the gas skid tank.

    A source said: “Even though we could not say exactly what triggered the explosion, the only thing I know is that there was a blast which was accompanied by fire.

    “It was late in the evening. Both the passersby and Farm tankers scampered for safety but three persons were unlucky as they were consumed by fire.

    “Aside the recorded death, the valuables including blocks of residential building were razed by fire.”

    Also confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor, on fire reform/ Chairman Fire Services Agency Moroof Akinwande said three lives were lost to the incident.

    According to him: “It was a gas tanker Regd. No LSR268YC loaded with 15 tonnes capacity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) that exploded while transferring the content into the gas skid tank.

    “The blast damaged two vehicles and a residential building;  three persons were recovered and handed over to a team of policemen from Akanran Division. 

    “The operation was jointly carried out with a crew of firemen from Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command.

    “The explosion sparkled panic among  residents, the prompt arrival of our officers contained the situation”

    The chairman  emphasised the importance of obtaining the Fire service , DPR and other stakeholders approval before installing gas tank or cylinder to avoid unnecessary explosion. 

    He assured the community that all necessary fire safety has been done and the investigation team would be sent to ascertain the root cause of the incident in order to avert future occurrence.

  • JUST IN: Gas explosion destroys cars, properties, grains in Niger

    JUST IN: Gas explosion destroys cars, properties, grains in Niger

    A gas explosion at Tasiu Gas Plant in Sabon Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, has caused massive destruction following a failed gas tanker transloading operation.

    The incident, which occurred around 11 p.m. on Saturday, set the gas station ablaze, destroying several parked vehicles and burning grains worth millions of naira at a nearby processing factory.

    The explosion happened just weeks after the tragic Dikko fire disaster, which claimed over 100 lives and left many injured.

    Read Also: Trump’s threats: Nigerians’ rush for American visa persists

    The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the incident, attributing it to the transfer of gas from a tanker to a surface tank. 

    However, according to NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba Arah, no casualties or injuries were recorded.

    “Ngeil grains processing factory behind the gas plant was also gutted by the inferno. About 550 bags of beans and six bags of bags of soya beans were burnt in the factory. 

    “As of the time of filing this report, no life was lost, and the fire has been put under control”, he said.

  • Two confirmed dead as Rivers CP visits victims of gas explosion

    Two confirmed dead as Rivers CP visits victims of gas explosion

    The Rivers Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju on  Tuesday visited the surviving victims of the Oroazi gas explosion at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port- Harcourt.

    Adepoju, who sympathised with the victims, said his Area Commander in charge of Oroazi community also visited victims of the explosion in other hospital.

    He urged the residents to be safety conscious when using gas cylinder and to report to relevant authorities when the persons in business of refilling gas engaged in unsafe act that could cause accident.

    The Rivers CP described the condition of the patients as pathetic and worrisome praying for their quick recovery.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Gas explosion in Rivers injures couple, children, 18 others

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof. Chizindu Alikor, who received the Commissioner of Police and his team, said sixteen persons were brought to the facility on Saturday.

     He said 12 adults and four children were affected by the incident adding that the hospital was working tirelessly to stabilize them.

    Alikor stated with the support from Rivers State Government, Commissioner for Health, the hospital was attending to the victims.

     Alikor informed  two persons, an adult and a child died, but the hospital was doing its best to ensure the patients were  stable and in good condition.

  • JUST IN: Gas explosion in Rivers injures couple, children, 18 others

    JUST IN: Gas explosion in Rivers injures couple, children, 18 others

    About 20 persons, including a pregnant woman and four children have been critically injured by a gas explosion that occured in the Orazi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon close to densely populated area in Orazi called ‘Big Tree’.

    It was learnt that amany of them suffered severe burns and were rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt

    The victims were said to have included residents and some passers-by as the sound of the explosion shattered the area, causing pandemonium.

    The explosion was said to have occurred at a gas refilling shop when a technician was reportedly fixing a faulty cylinder.

    It was learnt that immediately the cylinder exploded, it affected other cylinders in the shop causing multiple explosions.

    It was further gathered the fire affected some surrounding buildings forcing most of the occupants to flee for their lives.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze to elect new president general January 10

    A relative of one of the victims who, spoke in confidence said the owner of the shop had been selling gas for years in the area.

    He said his in-law and her husband who were affected in the explosion were rushed to the hospital for treatment, lamenting that they had spent over N500, 000 already.

    He said: “I was just called in the evening about the incident because my sister in-law and the husband are involved. When my wife picked the call her countenance changed immediately.

    “So I asked what happened. She said it was a gas explosion and that her sister is at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. I lost my appetite and immediately drove to the hospital. I know how Orazi is. there are many shops scattered all over just for people to survive.”

    Another source said a pregnant woman was affected in the explosion, saying, It caused a huge fire, burning houses too,

    “About 20 people were burnt, but no death. Let the government come to their aid because this is the beginning of the year,” he pleaded.

  • Gas explosion renders many homeless in Akwa Ibom community

    Gas explosion renders many homeless in Akwa Ibom community

    Scores of families have been rendered homeless following a recent gas explosion in Urua Essien Etuk village, Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

    Although there have been no reports of deaths or severe injuries, villagers expressed concerns over the explosion, which caused structural damage to their homes and polluted the environment.

    The village head, Eteidung Godwin George, revealed that the toxic gases released from the explosion had caused him to develop cancer in one of his legs.

    The explosion reportedly originated from a pipeline facility operated by British Oil and Gas Exploration Limited (BOGEL), which began operations in May 2024 at Rig 15 Ete-04.

    Eteidung George said: “I am currently suffering from cancer of the leg through an open wound which I contracted the cancerous virus from the village stream/river that BOGEL dumped without considering the side effects to the people.

    Read Also: Marketers to NNPCL:  announce pump price for Dangote petrol 

    “My people are helpless. The explosion has also caused untold hardship to the people as their farmlands, streams/rivers which remain the only sources of livelihood are badly affected. Many of us have health challenges because of the carelessness of BOGEL”, he said.

    Eteidung George decried the insensitivity and poor treatment meted out to them by BOGEL, saying that the company has blatantly neglected them and refused to pay them compensation for the damages.

    He appealed to Governor Umo Eno to wade into the matter to give them succour and healthy living.

    The youth leader and the women leader in the village, Mr. Udeme Love Lawrence and Mrs Uduak Aniefiok Udoh respectively confirmed that the BOGEL gas explosion has brought hardship to them.

    Meanwhile, officers of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps visited the company last Thursday to ascertain the rate of damages caused by the gas explosion, following the petition by the community.

  • Gas explosion destroys bungalow in Kwara

    Gas explosion destroys bungalow in Kwara

    A domestic gas cylinder explosion yesterday destroyed a four bedroom bungalow in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    The incident, which happened about 10:42am, occurred at No 6, Phase 1, off Baba-Soja Street, Akerebiata, Ilorin East Local Government.

    Spokesperson of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle confirmed the incident.

    Read Also: Lagos gas explosion unconnected with CNG centre — NNPCL

    He said: “Upon arrival, the firefighters encountered a bungalow with four-bedrooms fully engulfed in flames. Unfazed, the fire officers contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjacent buildings.

    “Fortunately, the maid in the building was unharmed; however, the entire structure was severely damaged due to the delayed emergency call.

    “During the investigation, it was discovered that the fire originated when the maid attempted to ignite the gas cooker.  

  • JUST IN: Many injured, vehicles destroyed as gas explosion rocks Lagos

    JUST IN: Many injured, vehicles destroyed as gas explosion rocks Lagos

    A Mobil Oil Company filling station beside the Airport Hotel in Ikeja has been engulfed by fire due to a gas explosion.

    It was learnt that the explosion occurred at about 10:49 am on Thursday, August 8, when a gas tanker was discharging its content into a surface storage tank when it ignited.

    Meanwhile, the fire has been brought under control.

    The incident caused fear among residents and workers in the area, who were forced to run for their lives and scramble to safety.

    Eyewitnesses and emergency service officials on the scene told The Nation that no lives were lost, but many people were injured.

    Witnesses also reported that some of the injured were rushed to hospitals in private vehicles and minibusses (Korope) before ambulances arrived.

    Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on his “X” handle, shared an update: “Fire is out already. Thanks.”

    In a post on X, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said: “At approximately 10:49 AM today, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a fire incident at the Mobil filling station, Allen Roundabout, near Airport Hotel. The fire involved a gas truck at the filling station, prompting an immediate response from the Alausa and Ikeja Fire Stations.

    Read Also: Gas explosion: Lagos lawmakers seek better protection for residents

    Upon arrival, the fire crews discovered that a gas truck was discharging its content into a surface storage tank when it ignited. The blaze quickly spread, engulfing eight vehicles, including the tanker itself, and affecting parts of the uppermost floor of a nearby two-storey building.

    Several individuals sustained injuries and were transported to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for treatment. The exact number of injuries is still being determined, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

    In addition to the swift response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, other agencies were present at the scene to assist in managing the situation. These agencies include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Mobil Fire Unit from Apapa, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

  • Gas explosion: Lagos lawmakers seek better protection for residents

    Gas explosion: Lagos lawmakers seek better protection for residents

    Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the Ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Special Duties to step up enforcement of safety laws to protect lives and property.

    This followed a recent gas explosion in the Ajeromi/Ifelodun area that resulted in fatalities.

    The House urged concerned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to step up their responsibilities to ensure that lives are protected against sales of combustible substances in residential areas.

    The House, during Monday’s plenary, berated the proliferation of gas shops across the state, and asked the Lagos Safety Commission not to compromise on enforcement of laws regulating the activities of such outlets.

    Read Also: Agriculture contributes N7tr to Lagos GDP, says commissioner

    A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, lamented the death of 15 persons, with about 35 others injured in the explosion. This was according to their representative at the Assembly, Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun 2).

    Before the lawmakers observed a minute silence for the victims, Obasa sympathised with the affected constituents and emphasised the need to address the issue.

    He said”: “Having gas shops and outlets within the community without proper regulations must be looked into. It calls for concern and we must look for a way out.”

    Obasa thereafter directed the Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the House’ resolution to the appropriate authorities.

  • Gas explosion: party chieftain commiserates with victims

    Gas explosion: party chieftain commiserates with victims

    A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olufemi Ajadi, has commiserated with victims of last Saturday’s gas explosion at Ita-Osin, Ogun State.

    Ajadi, in a statement yesterday, prayed God to comfort them.

    It reads: “I express my condolences to the bereaved families in the recent gas explosion at Ita-Osin area of Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Read Also: ‘Edo APC Dep Gov candidate Idahosa not arrested in Europe’

    “I commiserate with those who lost their properties and businesses, and pray God to provide for them to rebuild their businesses.

    “I also wish those recuperating in hospitals quick recovery.”

  • Council boss kicks as gas explosion rocks community 

    Council boss kicks as gas explosion rocks community 

    GAS pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has exploded at Obagi community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government of Rivers State, compelling the Chairman of the council, Vincent Job, to demand replacement of obsolete oil facilities.

    It was gathered that although nobody died in the incident, which community sources said occurred on Wednesday evening, the explosion reportedly shook the area and caused panic among residents.

    The chairman, who confirmed the incident, said Omoku area of the council also witnessed what he described as dastardly crude oil explosion.

    Job said:  “Yes, it happened at Obagi, but thankfully no life was lost. I’ve gone there myself and during my interaction with the indigenes, they feel it’s as a result of equipment failure, though oil and gas experts may have something else to add,

    Read Also: JUST IN: Property, goods destroyed as Gas explosion rocks Lagos community

    “We had a very dastardly crude oil explosion at Omoku West. Yesterday too, we also had another one in a different location that is Obagi.

    “For us who are novices in the oil field, you will find out that some of these equipment have lasted for more than 30 or 40 years, which calls for removal.’

    “You will find out that the indigenes are there and they suffer a lot of this degradation. The Federal Government and the International Oil Companies should ensure that their pipelines and facilities are up to date.”

    The monarch of the community, Eze Clinton Elemele, said the gas leak was noticed since the middle of last year, but lamented that both Agip and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) denied ownership of the facility when the community wrote to them.

    He said: “The gas leak has been going on since last June. We wrote to Agip and NLNG, but after inspection, they both said the pipeline wasn’t theirs. Now it exploded and Agip has finally admitted that it’s their own.”