Barely a week after a gas leakage was reported around the Lekki axis where residents were grateful that God averted such a major disaster, another tragedy occurred. A gas explosion was reported at Ojekunle Street, Ladipo, Mushin area on Tuesday 16, 2021. The unfortunate incident was ignited by a phone call from a customer who went to refill a gas cylinder as the location of the incident is under a power line. The scene of the explosion was littered with welding cylinders and burnt vehicles. The loud noise that heralded the disaster was so deafening that it immediately dispersed people in different directions. Five persons were reported dead with many sustaining different levels of injuries and properties running to millions of naira lost.
Gas explosions have been more common in recent years across the United States. Unfortunately, the Ladipo tragedy is one of many caused by human error that may have been averted. Tragic events like this usually have an impact on human activities, and the relatives of those who have been impacted may never forget. It is imperative that all efforts be directed toward doing everything possible to prevent this calamity.
Exasperated by the recent occurrences, Safety Consultants and Solutions Providers (SCSP) regard it as their responsibility to call on everyone to help stop the trend. Operators of gas stations must be educated and sensitized on how to conduct their operations safely and in accordance with all safety regulations. Nigerians must be taught to inspect and replace expired or leaky cylinders on a regular basis in this context. As a result, concerned authorities must keep an eye on things and make sure everything is in order.
