An explosion, suspected to have been caused by pipeline vandalism, has occurred at Abule Ado, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State on March 15.
While the cause is still unknown, an eyewitness alleged that a tipper offloading sand caught fire, which spread to a nearby pipeline, triggering the blast.
The massive blast has reportedly rocked neighbouring areas, sparking raging fire that has destroyed nearby buildings including Bethlehem Girls Boarding School, Abule-Ado.
Sadly, the collapsed school building has some school pupil trapped in it with many nearby houses and properties destroyed by the blaze.
The chairman of the local government area, Mr. Valentine Buraimoh told Channels Television that some children have been rescued from the collapsed school building.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has debunked claims that the explosion was a result of pipeline vandalism.
Acting Coordinator, Lagos Territorial Office, NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, clarified that the explosion was not because of vandalism or disruption of the pipeline.
Farinloye in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos said;
From the information given by officials of the Lagos State Fire Service who are currently on ground, the implosion is not connected to pipeline but might have occurred in a factory located in the Abule Ado area.
Emergency responders are on ground while others are still on their way to the scene. The situation is under control and we hope to get more information soon to ascertain its cause.
According to him, the NNPC had shutdown the pipeline passing through the area as a precautionary measure after the oil company was notified of the incident.
He also disclosed that the explosion affected several buildings, stating that the blast was heard in several kilometers away like Amuwo Odofin, Ijegun, and Agege.
As at press time, the number of dead, injured, and trapped persons is yet unknown.
See some clips of the explosion below:
– Just In : Suspected pipeline explosion between Amuwo Odofin , Festac , Satellite Town and Abule Ado.
– The sound which was heard in ijegun, surulere, abule egba, Ikotun, Ikeja, Isolo, Okota, Egbeda etc. It is suspected to be Another bunkery case.
pic.twitter.com/gPCo0p6f8Q— Postsubman (@Postsubman) March 15, 2020
The effect of the explosion this morning. Apart from car windshields, windows from houses were brought down. Festac region,Abule ado is really not Ok at the moment. Sunday morning in Lagos. pic.twitter.com/LHwfj6lvmi
— Nnanyelugo (@Okenwaokodu) March 15, 2020
The explosion happened at Bethlehem Girls College Abuleado (Festac Extension), AmuwoOdofin. pic.twitter.com/tGjpP3EDII
— IG: nkaydaria (@Mekinkie) March 15, 2020
Bethlehem Girls Boarding School in Festac Students running, some of them are bleeding with injuries & few reports of Death.
Call any Parent you know that has a child there & pray for safety 🙏🙏pic.twitter.com/uQJu9MpxtR
— King Nonny 👑 (@Zaddy_nomso) March 15, 2020
This is bad 💔💔💔#lagos #Rapture #festac pic.twitter.com/TgibFg8R2z
— Viky 👑 (@oduchegerald) March 15, 2020
Wow this is damn bad, God will help us. Festac explosion pic.twitter.com/9CFj7MDTlP
— Pogllins 🌍 (@Pog_llins) March 15, 2020
