* State Assembly seeks enforcement of safety regulations
Three persons have reportedly died as gas explosion rocked Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos, on Tuesday afternoon.
A 50kg Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cylinder was said to have exploded at the frontage of a row of shops at Abule Pan, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju Lekki.
The gas explosion occurred around 3:34pm on Tuesday.
Reports said a loud bang was heard in the area with balls of fire enveloping the atmosphere, leading to pandemonium in the area when the gas explosion occurred.
The Director/CEO, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Margaret Adeseye, said the explosion involved LNG (industrial gas) cylinder of about 50kg assembled at the frontage of a row of shops.
Adeseye said the Lekki Phase II Fire Station of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services complemented by Health Environment officials, military officials, Federal Road Safety Corps officials and Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area joined hands to combat the inferno.
She said the cause of the explosion might be mishandling of the gas cylinder, confirming that three bodies were recovered with another person injured.
Meanwhile, the State House of Assembly has called on concerned ministries, departments and agencies of government to step up enforcement of safety laws to protect lives and property.
The directive followed the earlier gas explosion in the Ajeromi/Ifelodun area of Lagos that resulted in fatalities.
At plenary on Tuesday, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on Monday, the House tasked two ministries – Physical Planning and Urban Development as well as Special Duties – to up their responsibilities to ensure that lives are protected against sales of combustible substances in residential areas.
According to a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Eromosele Ebhomele, the House frowned against the proliferation of gas shops across the state and asked the state Safety Agency not to compromise on enforcement of laws regulating the activities of such outlets.
A recent gas explosion had led to the death of 15 residents with at least 35 others sustaining injuries according to their representative at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun II).
The House urged the government to support the victims in the form of relief materials.
Before the lawmakers observed a minute silence for the victims of the explosion, Obasa sympathised with the affected constituents and emphasised the need to address the issue.
He acknowledged that gas regulation falls under the ‘exclusive list’, but urged the state to find a way around it to prevent further tragedies.
“Having gas shops and outlets within the community without proper regulations must be looked into. It calls for concern and we must look for a way out,” Dr. Obasa said as he directed the Clerk, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the resolution of the House to the appropriate authorities.
The Assembly commended the State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the Gbagada General Hospital for their swift handling of emergency cases brought to the facilities.
Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) said he witnessed how medical personnel at the two hospitals battled to save the lives of fire accident victims recently.
“Our health sector should be commended,” he said while acknowledging the collaboration between arms of government resulting in elevated healthcare standards in the state.
“The commitment and dedication I witnessed in the handling of fire victims at LASUTH and the Gbagada General Hospital are encouraging, reflecting a system where all hands were indeed on deck.
“When I got to the wards, I met over nine doctors and nurses attending to the victims at the LASUTH. I saw the same thing at the Gbagada General hospital”, he said.
Obasa, who emphasised the role of the legislative body in recognising and supporting such commendable endeavours, added: “This is exactly what the House is expected to do at all times.
“We will always commend the MDAs for a job well-done, and anywhere they falter, we will always point such out,” he said.
He, thereafter, directed the Clerk to forward letters of commendation to the management of LASUTH, Gbagada General Hospital and the Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.