Matilda Omonaiye/
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed the death of two persons in the pipeline explosion, which occurred in Ijegun, Lagos this morning.
The spokesperson for the agency also said that 30 vehicles were burnt, adding that the total loss would be determined after the situation is brought under full control.
Reports say the fire broke out in Ijegun, after suspected hoodlums vandalised pipelines belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.
The LASEMA spokesman said that the explosion occurred when security agencies intercepted the vandals in the act.
His words: “On arrival of the LRT at the scene of the incident, it was gathered that some vandals were engaged in illegal bunkering activities at Fire Junction, Ijegun, within the vicinity where NNPC pipelines were buried.
“The vandals had already siphoned petrol into a 33,000 litres tanker while a second tanker of the same capacity was being loaded when security agencies suddenly intercepted them.
“While trying to escape, some of the siphoned fuel spilled into the drainage and the vandals were alleged to have set the spilled fuel on fire in a bid to deter the security agencies from apprehending them.
“The fire eventually returned to the pipeline point where the vandals siphoned the fuel and exploded with escalating fire which led to two fatalities and over 30 vehicles burnt.
“The actual loss will be determined upon conducting post disaster enumeration after the fire has been put out.”
He disclosed that responders at the scene included men of the Lagos State Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the vandals were among the casualties of the explosion.
Eyewitnesses said the loud bang of the explosion woke the residents.
It was also gathered that NNPC had shut down further supplies through the affected pipeline, while security agencies have cordoned off the area.
The state government announced on Twitter that firefighters had succeeded in putting out the fire and urged residents to remain calm.
The tweet read: “Officials of Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders have succeeded in putting out the inferno at Ijegun pipeline, Ijagemo, Lagos. Residents are advised to remain calm and not make fire for now.”
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