At least 15 people sustained varying degrees of injury following a gas explosion that rocked a densely populated area of Lagos on Sunday. The incident, which occurred in the Ajao Estate axis, has reignited urgent questions around regulatory enforcement and urban safety in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and local volunteers quickly arrived at the scene to contain the fire and evacuate victims. Several properties were also reportedly damaged.
Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion was triggered by a gas leak from a commercial cylinder at a local gas refilling shop operating in a residential area. An eyewitness told TheLink News that the shop had long been flagged by residents over safety concerns, but no action was taken.
“There was a loud blast and flames shot into the sky. People were running, some with burns,” said Hassan Ajayi, a resident who helped rescue two victims. “We’ve warned about that place before, but nobody listened.”
The Lagos State Government confirmed that 15 individuals were injured, with some hospitalized in critical condition. No fatalities have been reported as of Monday morning.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, head of LASEMA, said, “Our teams were on site promptly. The injured are receiving treatment, and the site has been secured. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and whether safety regulations were breached.”
This is not the first time Lagos has witnessed such an incident. Gas explosions often caused by negligence, illegal operations, or lack of regulation have become a disturbing pattern in the city.
Experts say a growing number of gas retail outlets are operating in violation of zoning laws and without adequate safety infrastructure, particularly in low-income and high-density neighborhoods.
“There’s a regulatory gap that keeps getting exploited,” said urban safety consultant Tolu Adebanjo. “Until there’s real enforcement and consequences, these tragedies will keep repeating.”
In a statement, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed concern over the incident and promised a “thorough investigation” to hold any responsible parties accountable. He also reiterated the state’s commitment to reviewing safety protocols around gas distribution and retail operations.
However, residents and civil society groups are skeptical, pointing to similar promises made after previous explosions with little to show in terms of enforcement or reform.
The Lagos State Safety Commission has said it will begin a renewed inspection of gas plants and retailers across the state starting this week. Whether this results in actual closures or improved compliance remains to be seen.
The latest gas explosion is yet another reminder of the dangers that come with lax regulation and poor urban planning. As Lagos continues to expand rapidly, the cost of ignoring safety standards is no longer theoretical, it’s burning real lives, homes, and communities.
