Update:3 Dead In OPIC Plaza Gas Tanker Fire, 25 Vehicles Burnt-See Video

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said three bodies have so far been recovered from the OPIC Plaza, scene of Thursday night’s gas tanker explosion on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos State.

News Rain Nigeria reports that Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Acting Zonal Coordinator, southwest Zonal Office, NEMA, disclosed this on Friday.

A Liquefied Petroleum Gas ( LPG) tanker had exploded while in motion at about 10.32 p.m.

Farinloye said the resulting fire traveled with the wind to the premises of Ogun State Property Investment Company (OPIC) Plaza beside Sheraton Hotel, which houses different commercial outfits including a Chinese Restaurant.

The fire also caused panic at Sheraton Hotel, leading to the evacuation of lodgers.

Update:3 Dead In OPIC Plaza Gas Tanker Fire, 25 Vehicles Burnt-See Video

“We have so far recovered three bodies from the incident. The bodies were recovered from the generator house of OPIC Plaza and the restaurant.

“Search and rescue is still ongoing from the collapsed buildings.”

He said the fire was put out at about 12.30 a.m. after concerted efforts of five fire trucks from Lagos State Fire Service and two trucks from Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit.

“The initial search and rescue activities revealed that 13 persons sustained various degrees of burns. Out of this, nine are males while four are females,” Farinloye said.

He said the victims were given first aid at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

He said four of them with severe injuries were later transferred to the Trauma and Burns Centre at Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

“Preliminary assessment on vehicles damaged indicated that about 25 were destroyed so far.

“Comprehensive post-disaster assessment on the extent of general damages would be done later today,” Farinloye had said.

Director General (DG) LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu said information gathered at the scene revealed the fire started as a result of explosion while the gas tanker was moving inward Ikeja.

“The fire spread to Opic plaza and affected the building and vehicles parked at the car park,” he said.

OPIC Plaza is owned by the Ogun State Government.

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