Three killed, 13 injured as tanker explodes in Lagos

Three people were killed while 13 others sustained injuries when a gas tanker exploded in Lagos in the late hours of Thursday.

The explosion occurred at Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, near Opic Plaza and Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

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Emergency officials were said to have responded to the distress call shortly before midnight as the tanker was moving inward Ikeja.

The state Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in an update on the incident said the resultant explosion affected the OPIC Plaza, leading to an inferno which damaged 22 vehicles parked within the premises.

Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, DG/CEO of LASEMA, said the first responders worked to control the spread to the adjacent properties as well as the nearby petrol station until the early morning of Friday.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that three dead bodies were recovered on Friday morning.

Earlier, LASEMA in its preliminary report said 13 people were rescued.

The agency said nine males and four females who sustained various degree of burns were provided with pre-hospital care before being taken to Lagos State health facilities for further treatment.

A combined team of Agency Firefighters, Lagos Fire Service and the Federal fire Service were coordinated by the Agency while the Director of Lagos Fire Services, the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties, the Commissioner of Police were also at the scene.

The affected truck has been moved, the entire affected area cordoned off and post disaster assessment ongoing, according to the agency.