A devastating gas explosion occurred at a Mobil Oil Company filling station located beside the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, triggering a massive fire.
The incident happened on Thursday, August 8, at approximately 10:49 am, when a gas tanker was offloading its contents into a surface storage tank and suddenly ignited.
Emergency responders swiftly intervened, and the fire has since been contained.
The blast sent shockwaves through the area, causing widespread panic among residents and workers, who were forced to flee for their lives.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, although multiple individuals sustained injuries.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals in private vehicles and minibuses before the arrival of ambulances.
Emergency service officials and eyewitnesses confirmed the details.
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.
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).