Two Burnt to Death as Gas Truck Explosion Engulfs Shops in Lagos

A fatal accident involving a gas truck and a tipper led to a massive fire outbreak in Lagos, leaving two people dead and several properties destroyed.

According to the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, the incident occurred at about 2:36 a.m.

Emergency responders from Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II fire stations were deployed after reports that a speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from the Epe axis rammed into a stationary 30-tonne gas truck that had failed to pull off the highway.

The collision triggered a fire that quickly spread to three nearby warehouses and about 10 roadside shops, including a gym and a generator house, before it was eventually contained.

Firefighters were able to prevent further disaster by saving a nearby Total Petrol Filling Station, which had a 33,000-litre PMS tanker, along with other surrounding properties.

Although the blaze was brought under control, several vehicles—including three Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla, and a forklift—were affected within the premises.

The tipper driver and his assistant were recovered burnt beyond recognition, while the driver of the gas truck reportedly escaped unharmed.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to clear the wreckage of the trucks from the road, as normalcy gradually returns to the area.