Just Like many others, Sunday night pipeline explosion in Abule-Egba area of Lagos did not go without casualties.
Five persons were confirmed dead, while 11 houses, 39 vehicles and 17 shops were lost to the explosion.
The number of those who sustained injuries could not be ascertained and scores of them have been taken to various hospitals.
According to eye witness report, some residents said the fire started a few minutes after the vandals had filled over 24 fuel tankers of 33,000 litres.
They said the vandals covered the point from which they siphoned the petroleum product with sand.
According to Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Femi Oke-Osayintolu, “five persons, including three adult males, one adult female, and a five-year-old child were found dead. Also, 20 people were treated for minor injuries and discharged at the scene, while 150 people, including children, were displaced.
“The buildings affected are a storey building at No 18 Musa Erimo Street and four buildings, including a storey building and three bungalows on No 1, 2, 7 and 20, Joel Nnadede Street in Ekoro. Also, on Hamed Sodiq Street, a two-storey building on No 2 and two bungalows on No 4 and No 8 were affected, while on the NNPC power line road, three bungalows at Nos 45, 47 and 49 were razed.
“Seventeen shops and 39 vehicles including 33 trucks, three cars and three tricycles were also affected. We will continue to keep members of the public abreast with updates,” he said.
Oke-Osayintolu continued: “We were informed by 8.30 pm and by 9 pm we have curtailed it and by 11.30 pm we have put it off.
“Having contained the area at 11.30 pm, we have commenced an enumeration of the vehicles and properties that were involved this morning. We appeal to all to remain calm and report suspicious activities to curtail the instances of these unfortunate incidents. In line with Mr Governor’s greater Lagos agenda, the government will do its part, while the citizens need to do their part. We will continue to keep members of the public abreast with updates.”
