Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has revealed what led to the explosion that occurred at Abule Ado, Trade Fair axis of Lagos State.
The explosion, which according to reports, killed not fewer than 15 people including a family of four, while 60 students of Bethlehem Girls College located within the area, who sustained various degrees of injury in the incident were also taken to the Nigerian Navy Hospital in Ojo Cantonment.
Reacting over the incident, the NNPC managing director said to have swung into action in a bid to access what could led to the explosion.
Revealing his assessment via his official twitter handle, Mr. Kyari said “the explosion also ignited NNPC product pipeline fire”.
He said…
The Explosions caused by spark that ignited fire from extensively charged atmosphere that emanated from gas cylinder leakages. NNPC pipeline also impacted and ignited. Fire being contained by combined efforts of NNPC, LASG NN and FFS.
NNPC pipeline right of way (ROW) encroachment by gas handling vendors and construction of houses enabled the explosion and aggravated the impact. Working with LASG and security agencies to clear the ROW.
Symphatise with the people and Govt of Lagos on the loss of lives and property. Deeply appreciate the timely response and intervention of the men of fire services, security agencies, the Red cross and other stakeholders.
Also, The Acting Coordinator of NEMA in Lagos, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, told the News Agency of Nigeria that “a couple and their two sons were caught by the explosion on their way to church around about 9 a.m. on Sunday”.
Farinloye said over 50 buildings, including Bethlehem Girls College and a popular hotel, were damaged in the explosion.
He said, “The resulting fire later spread to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation oil pipeline passing through the area even though the pipeline had been shut down as a precautionary measure.
“The fire was eventually extinguished about 3.30 p.m. through the combined efforts of officials of the Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigerian Navy Fire Tender.”
One of the victims of the incident, Mr Abayomi Abeyi, said his building was severely damaged while his wife sustained injuries from the explosion.
