7 injured, cars hit in explosion at Four Points By Sheraton Hotel

Benjamin Omoike l Wednesday, December 04, 2019

LAGOS, Nigeria – At least seven people were severely injured today, with three hospitalised as a result of the explosion that hit Four Points By Sheraton Hotel at Oniru, on the Lagos Island, earlied today. The explosion, according to LASEMA Response Team, resulted from a gas cylinder which exploded within the vicinity of the hotel. 

We gathered that the explosion occurred due to leakages from gas cylinders used by welders working within the yard.  Three people sustained severe injuries as a result of the blast. Two of them were rushed to Lagos Island General hospital for intensive care by LASEMA AMBULANCE UNIT, while one was taken to a nearby private hospital. 

According to the LASEMA Response Team four other people were injured by flying objects following the explosion.

Besides the windows that were damaged, the beautiful walls were also affected, 10 cars were destroyed by effects of the explosion and flying objects. Initial assessment by LASEMA has shown that the Hotel’s emergency response plan is flawed with no visible emergency muster point. 

Speaking on this incident, the DG/CEO LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke–Osanyintolu appealed to all Lagos residents that they should remain calm and that the agency is looking at the situation holistically, with a scientific approach.

Oke–Osanyintolu went on to elaborate that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration is people-centric with the best interest of Lagosians at heart. He said that the governor has put all necessary structures in place to mitigate against disasters in the state.

He said that LASEMA was on top of the situation, and has alerted all relevant sister agencies.

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, it’s beams and columns.

However, LASEMA has effectively brought the situation under control with the combined efforts of Officers of the Nigerian Police Force,

Police EOD, LASG and LASEMA Fire Units, with ample assistance from staff of the hotel in ensuring a swift recovery. 

In compliance with international best practices in emergency situations, the entrance of the building and the entire area surrounding the incident point, has been cordoned off.