A tragic gas explosion in the Ajah area of Lagos State in the early hours of Saturday has left two people dead and caused widespread destruction to nearby properties.
The incident occurred along the Lekki-Epe Expressway at Tera Ahmed Bus Stop in Sangotedo following a collision involving a gas-laden tanker and a tipper truck. The impact triggered a massive fire that quickly spread to surrounding structures.
Officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that emergency responders were alerted to the situation at approximately 2:36 a.m. Fire crews from Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II stations were immediately dispatched to contain the blaze.
Preliminary findings indicate that the accident happened when a speeding 20-tonne tipper truck, approaching from the Epe axis, crashed into the rear of a stationary 30-tonne gas tanker that had reportedly failed to move off the highway. The collision ignited an explosion, setting nearby buildings ablaze.
The inferno engulfed at least three warehouses and about ten roadside shops, including a fitness centre and a generator facility. Despite the scale of the fire, emergency responders were able to prevent it from spreading further, successfully protecting a nearby filling station and a fully loaded 33,000-litre petrol tanker.
After extinguishing the fire, responders recovered several damaged vehicles from the scene, including three Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla, and a forklift.
Sadly, the driver of the tipper truck and his assistant lost their lives in the incident, with their bodies severely burnt. However, the driver of the gas tanker reportedly escaped unharmed.
Authorities have since begun clearing the wreckage of the involved trucks to restore traffic flow along the busy expressway. Emergency officials confirmed that the fire has been fully contained, and normal activities are gradually resuming in the area.
Investigations are expected to continue to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
