Sanwo-Olu Reacts To Lagos Gas Explosion, Reveals Next Step

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reacted to Thursday’s early morning gas explosion which rocked a part of the state.

The Governor commiserated with the victims of the gas explosion which happened in Baruwa community, Alimosho Local Government Area of the state, explaining that the incident has left a sour taste in his mouth.

It will be recalled as previously reported by Naija News that the explosion emanated from the Best Roof Cooking Gas at about 5:45 am on Thursday, October 8. It was reported that the explosion razed houses, shops, and a primary school.

Reacting, Sanwo-Olu noted in a statement on Twitter that “My heart breaks at the gas explosion today which is a sign that the stricter rules we are implementing for gas and other petroleum operators need to be widespread & faster.”

“Medical intervention is happening at the Gbagada General Hospital while rescue operations continue.”

“For the families of those we have lost due to this explosion, no words are enough to express how sad and regretful we feel but may the souls of your loved ones rest in peace.”

My heart breaks at the gas explosion today which is a sign that the stricter rules we are implementing for gas and other petroleum operators need to be widespread & faster.

Medical intervention is happening at the Gbagada General Hospital while rescue operations continue.

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 8, 2020

The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, further expressed deep sorrow over the gas explosion that claimed lives and destroyed properties worth several millions of naira, describing the incident as a sad memory in the life of the administration.

He said the preliminary and final reports on the cause of the explosion suggested negligence on the part of the gas plant operators, noting that the government would take stiffer measures against operators of gas plants and/or any combustible items in the State to avoid future recurrence of such disaster.

He said: “The gas explosion this morning has left a sour taste in my mouth. It is a reminder of the dark episode of March this year at Abule Ado Soba when innocent lives were lost to gas explosions of monumental proportion and properties destroyed. I really can’t believe that we would witness another such incident, no matter how little.”

“I wish to therefore register my heartfelt condolences to the families of those that lost their loved ones in the fire. I pray that God grant their souls eternal rest.”

“The reports I got showed that the explosion could have been avoided if the operators of the gas plant had adhered to safety guidelines. Lives would have been saved and properties too would not have been affected.”

The Governor while commending the first responders to the distress call who were able to curtail the fire and prevent further damage, restated his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and properties of Lagosians.

He, therefore, directed the Lagos State Safety Commission, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency to take the next line of action.

Post-disaster assessment revealed by the Lagos State Emergency Agency includes five fatalities, eight casualties with major burns and who have been transferred to the Gbagada General Hospital Burns Unit, 25 houses damaged, 16 Shops Razed by the fire, 1 Private Primary School, 1 Hotel, 3 Vehicles affected comprising a pickup truck, tricycle, and a motorcycle.