3 feared dead in boat mishap and gas explosion in Lagos

LAGOS, Nigeria – Disaster struck in Lagos on Tuesday as twin accidents occurred in different parts of the state, resulting in fatalities.

In one incident, a panel beater’s gas cylinder exploded at about 1858hours in his workshop near a row of 12 shops at Palm Groove Estate, Ajao. The incident led to the unfortunate demise of three persons: A woman and her daughter, and a young man. Two persons were rescued from the scene of the incident. One was immediately resuscitated, while the other was taken to hospital with severe burns.

As a result of the explosion, seven shops were partially affected. Investigations revealed that the explosion occurred while the technician was trying to top up his oxyacetylene flame, popularly known as cabad’s cylinder.

Read also, FG WITHDRAWS REGISTRATION OF OHANEZE INDIGBO

As at the time of filing this report, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, response team; Lagos State Ambulance Services, LASAMBUS; the Red Cross, along with other emergency responders were on ground trying to ensure that lives and property were safe and that further casualties were not recorded.

Also, OBIANO, TRADITIONAL RULERS AT WAR OVER BUHARI

However, the massive crowd at the scene proved to be a stumbling block to the responders, preventing them from carrying out their duties swiftly.

In a separate incident, a boat ferrying passengers on the Lagos waterways capsized at about 2023hrs local time. The boat took off from Lagos Island  and was headed to Ikorodu before the accident occurred. 10 passengers from the capsized boat were rescued at the scene, while another seven were rescued from a second boat, making 17 passengers in total. 16 men and one woman. They were rescued with support received from operators and volunteers, who pulled resources together to save the passengers, while ensuring there was no fatality recorded.

On ground at the scene of the incident was the sharks squad located at Lagos Central Zone enroute Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island. All rescued passengers have been released to the Marine Police and the marine unit of LASEMA.