A gas explosion at the popular Four Point By Sheraton Hotel at Oniru Victoria Island in Lagos yesterday left seven people injured with three severely burnt.
It was learnt that a gas cylinder exploded within the vicinity of the hotel with many cars parked inside damaged.
The incident happened barely a week after another gas explosion at Ajegunle area killed seven people.
Investigations at the incident scene revealed that the gas cylinder being used by welders working in the yard of the hotel premises exploded due to a leakage of one of the hoses.
The three people who sustained severe injuries were rushed to the hospital.
Two of them were rushed to Lagos Island General hospital for intensive care by the LASEMA Ambulance Unit while one was rushed to a nearby private hospital.
Also, several cars parked on the premises were damaged while the impact of the blast shattered windows of some of the Hotel rooms.
It was learnt that four other people sustained minor injuries after being hit by flying objects.
An eyewitness revealed that the welders were putting were working on the last two pipes needed to complete the borehole project in the hotel premises when the explosion occurred.
According to LASEMA in an update on the incident, “There was a blow back when the welding equipment was restarted, leading to a burst pipe and eventual explosion of the welder’s gas cylinder and the subsequent disaster that followed.”
Altogether, 10 cars were destroyed by effects of the explosion and flying objects.
Speaking on the incident, the DG/CEO of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke–Osanyintolu called for calm over recent incidents of gas explosion, saying the agency was addressing it holistically.
He said the explosion at Oniru was effectively brought under control with the combined efforts of Officers of the Nigerian Police Force, Police EOD, LASG and LASEMA Fire Units, as well as “ample assistance from staff of the hotel in ensuring a swift recovery.”
According to the DG, the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory has been duly informed of the development and will conduct stability/non destructive tests to ascertain the status of the hotel, its beams and columns.
Note: This story was updated from a previous report published hours ago and reproduced below.
At least three people have been severely injured in a gas explosion at the popular Four Point By Sheraton Hotel at Oniru Victoria Island in Lagos.
It was learnt that a gas cylinder exploded within the vicinity of the hotel with many cars parked in the vicinity damaged.
Emergency responders comprising personnel of the state emergency agency (LASEMA), the Federal are at the scene of the incident for recovery operation.
Investigations at the incident scene revealed that the gas cylinder used by welders working in the yard of the hotel premises exploded due to a leakage of one of the hoses.
The three people who sustained severe injuries as a result of the blast have been rushed to hospital.
Two of them were rushed to Lagos Island General hospital for intensive care by the LASEMA Ambulance Unit while one was rushed to a nearby private hospital.
LASEMA in a statement confirmed that several cars and hotel room windows were shattered as a result of the blast.
“The situation is under control as a combined efforts of the LASEMA RESPONSE UNIT, Nigeria Police alongside Staff of the hotel are on ground to ensure a swift recovery. Recovery operation ongoing,” the agency said.
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