The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has successfully rescued a woman from a chemical explosion that erupted in the Agege area of Lagos on Friday night.
The frightening incident occurred at 6:38 p.m. on December 6, 2024, on the Old Abeokuta Motor Road.
According to Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire was caused by an explosion of several large kegs containing an unknown chemical stored improperly in an open, fenced compound.
Adeseye confirmed that the fire service quickly responded to the emergency, with the Agege fire and rescue crew managing to contain the blaze.
“The explosion was triggered by intense heat radiation from chemicals left exposed to the sun,” she explained in a statement.
The fire service’s efforts were successful in preventing the fire from spreading further, but the damage was significant.
Authorities are now conducting an investigation to identify the type of chemicals involved in the explosion and to determine the owner of the storage site.
“The kegs containing the chemical were stored in a manner that left them vulnerable to direct sunlight, which likely contributed to the explosion,” Adeseye added.
The woman who was rescued from the scene suffered first-degree burns as a result of the explosion.
She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.
“She is responding well to treatment and is expected to recover, though she sustained burns on her skin,” said Adeseye.
This latest incident highlights the growing concerns over chemical safety in Lagos, a state that continues to grapple with industrial hazards.
Experts have long warned that improperly stored chemicals can lead to disastrous accidents, especially in areas where regulation and enforcement are insufficient.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents and business owners to be more cautious when handling chemicals, stressing the importance of safe storage practices to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
“We advise that businesses and individuals handling hazardous materials ensure they are properly stored and protected from environmental elements like sunlight and heat,” Adeseye emphasized.
The fire service’s swift action helped minimize the potential harm from the explosion, and local residents have expressed their gratitude for the timely rescue operation.
One eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the scene as chaotic.
“There was a loud explosion, and the entire area was filled with smoke and fire,” the eyewitness recalled. “We were all scared, but thank God the fire service arrived quickly and controlled the situation.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are also looking into possible violations of safety protocols and whether the chemicals were legally stored on the property.
“We will leave no stone unturned in determining the exact cause of the explosion and who is responsible,” Mrs. Adeseye assured the public.
This fire rescue operation comes just months after Lagos State implemented new safety regulations for chemical storage and handling, aimed at reducing the number of industrial accidents in the city.
