Tragedy Averted As High-Tension Cable Collapses On Christmas Eve In Lagos, Causes Pipeline Explosion

Tragedy has been averted on Friday at Isale Odo, LASU Road, in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, following the containment of a pipeline explosion.

Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Acting Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office of National Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lagos.

Farinloye said the explosion was caused by the collapse of a 330KV Line which occurred within the axis earlier in the day.

He explained that the collapsed high tension line from Egbin Power Plant, Ikorodu, supplies electricity to Ikeja West which falls under the operational network of Ikeja Electric.

Farinloye noted that;

The electricity cable collapse led to sparks and the sparks got to spilled petrol around the area which led to the pipeline gutting fire and a subsequent explosion. The pipeline corridor have been known to have spillage often due to activities of vandals.

He noted that the fire was still raging but did not pose any threat to lives or properties.

The coordinator said;

Residents of Igando, Idimu Axis are strongly advised to observe serious safety precautions due to the collapse of high tension poles that emanated from Egbin Hydro power station.

Farinyole also stated that NNPC’s safety officials were on their way to the swampy location to put out the fire.

He revealed that officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps were already on the ground monitoring the situation.

The coordinator added that Ikeja Electric Plc is trying to isolate the 330KV line, having been informed of the development.