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The number of deaths recorded in the pipeline explosion that occurred in Ekoro area of Abule-Egba, Lagos State, on Sunday, January 19, has increased to five.
The explosion was reportedly caused by the activities of vandals, who ruptured the pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) in the area in a bid to siphon fuel.
The explosion was said to have occurred around 8pm and sent shivers down the spines of residents who scampered for safety.
It was gathered that the fire razed properties worth millions of naira, and it took the combined effort of both Lagos and Ogun State fire service to put out the around 3:30am on Monday.
According to the Director General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, five fatalities involving three adult males, one female, and a five-year-old child were recorded.
He stated that no fewer than 20 people who sustained minor injuries were given on the spot treatment, adding that the fire incident had displaced over 150 people.
“The buildings affected are a storey building at No 18 Musa Erimo Street and four buildings, including a storey building and three bungalows on No 1, No 2, No 7 and No 20, Joel Nnadede Street, in Ekoro. Also, on Hamed Sodiq Street, a two-storey building on No 2 and two bungalows on No 4 and No 8 were affected, while on the NNPC power line road, three bungalows on No 45, No 47 and No 49 were razed.
“17 shops and 39 vehicles including 33 trucks, three cars and three tricycles were also affected. We will continue to keep members of the public abreast with updates,” Oke-Osayintolu said.