The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that a gas explosion at a fast-food restaurant in the Ajah area of Lagos claimed the life of a 20-year-old staff member and left 13 others with severe burns.
According to Hobnob News, the tragic incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at No. 5 Spring Garden Estate, Orchid Road, Ajah. Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was caused by a suspected gas leak, which ignited a powerful blast that engulfed the eatery, reportedly owned by Uchechukwu Godwill Villason.
Police sources revealed that the force of the explosion sparked a raging fire, trapping several employees inside. “Thirteen staff members sustained varying degrees of burns and were quickly taken to the General Hospital in Gbagada for urgent medical attention,” a police officer at the scene reported.
Sadly, one of the victims, identified as Kingsley Promise, a 20-year-old from Akwa Ibom State, succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment. Her remains have since been deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary in Yaba for autopsy.
Following the explosion, detectives from the Lagos State Police Command visited the site to conduct a thorough assessment and also monitored the condition of the injured workers at the hospital.
In a statement, the police assured the public that a full-scale investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway. Authorities also issued a strong advisory to business owners, especially those using gas-powered equipment, to prioritize safety through regular inspections and maintenance in order to prevent future tragedies.
The incident has once again raised concerns over safety standards in commercial establishments operating within densely populated urban centers.
