Two people have died and numerous buildings have been destroyed in a gas explosion involving two heavy-duty vehicles in the Ajah district of Lagos State. 

The regrettable event happened on Saturday as a result of a collision between a dump vehicle and a tanker carrying gas. 

Firefighters have contained the accident-related fire, but the damage it caused to nearby businesses is still evident. 

The gas explosion along the Lekki-Epe Expressway at Tera Ahmed Bus Stop, Sangotedo, Lagos, was reported to have burned various warehouses and roadside stores. 

Three Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla, and a forklift were also destroyed by the fire.

"The accident, which was alerted at 02:36 wee hours Saturday, saw Lekki Phase II, Oniru and Epe II Fire Stations of the agency race to the scene after it was reported that an oncoming speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from the Epe end rammed from behind into a stationed 30-tonne gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway.

“The resultant effects culminated in fire spreading to three adjoining warehouses and 10 roadside shops, including a gym and generator house, before the fire was put out, saving a Total Petrol Filling Station, its fully loaded 33,000-litre PMS tanker and a host of properties,” a statement signed by the Controller General of the Lagos State Government Fire and Rescue Service, Ms Margaret Adeseye, said.

Source