A gas explosion on Sunday afternoon rocked the bustling Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos, destroying several shops and sending shockwaves through the local business community. The blast, which occurred around 2:13 p.m. at a gas retail outlet in the Orisunmibare Market off Baale Street, resulted in significant property damage and left one person injured.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the explosion was triggered when a gas cylinder reportedly leaked and ignited, setting off a massive fire that quickly spread through the densely packed row of shops. The agency confirmed that while there were no fatalities, at least one person sustained a minor hand injury, and goods worth several millions of naira were destroyed.
(Vanguard)
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as residents and traders fled for safety. A trader identified as Ejem recounted the moment of the explosion:
“I was inside when it happened. They said one of the boys at the shop was pressing his phone when the explosion occurred,” he told Vanguard, pointing toward the charred remains of several stalls.
The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that emergency teams swiftly responded to the scene, containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.
“The swift deployment of our firefighters prevented what could have been a far worse tragedy,” Adeseye said.
Preliminary assessments show that the fire destroyed over 15 shops within the market, including a popular provisions stall, two electronics stores, and a mobile accessories depot. Traders who lost their shops said their goods were worth between ₦500,000 and ₦2 million each.
A local trader, Mrs. Taiwo Ogunleye, lamented her losses:
“Everything I’ve worked for is gone. I just restocked for the festive season, and now I don’t even know where to start.”
Residents in the area have since called on the Lagos State Government to enforce stricter safety protocols around gas-refilling points located within residential and commercial areas.
The incident adds to a troubling trend of gas-related explosions in Lagos. In February 2024, 18 shops were razed in Ifako-Ijaiye after a cylinder exploded during unloading, while another blast in April 2025 at Ijora Badia left 15 people injured.
(Punch; TheCable)
Authorities say an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the Orile incident and whether safety regulations were violated. Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Ministry of Special Duties are expected to visit the site to assess damage and coordinate relief for affected traders.
