A devastating gas explosion in the early hours of Saturday has claimed two lives and destroyed properties worth billions of naira along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos.
How the Incident Happened
The explosion occurred around 2:36 a.m. at Tera Ahmed bus stop in Sangotedo after a collision involving a 30-tonne gas tanker and a speeding 20-tonne tipper truck approaching from the Epe axis.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the tipper truck crashed into the tanker, which was reportedly stationary on the highway without being properly parked off the road.
Fire engulfs buildings
The impact triggered a massive fire that rapidly spread to surrounding structures. At least three warehouses and 10 roadside shops—including a gym and a generator house—were razed in the blaze.
Firefighters from multiple stations, including Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II, were deployed to the scene.
Their swift intervention helped contain the fire before it could spread to a nearby filling station and a fully loaded 33,000-litre petrol tanker, averting a potentially larger disaster.
Casualties and rescue efforts
Authorities confirmed that the driver of the tipper truck and his assistant lost their lives in the explosion, while the gas tanker driver escaped without injury.
Emergency responders also recovered several vehicles from the scene, including three Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla, and a forklift.
Situation under control
Cleanup operations are ongoing as officials work to remove debris and restore normalcy to the affected area. Activities in the vicinity have gradually resumed following the incident.
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