Lagos Blast: Police Begin Investigation, Rescue Agencies Say not Bomb, But Explosion

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News From The State Thursday, June 26th, 2014

The Lagos State Police Command said it has begun full investigation into Wednesday night twin explosion at the Folawiyo Tank Farm on Creek road, Apapa, which left five people dead.

The Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ngozi Briade made the announcement in Lagos Thursday while addressing newsmen.

Briade clarified that the incident occurred when a speeding vehicle ran into a stationery tanker parked very close to the farm which in turn rammed into another tank. She explained that it was a gas explosion and not bomb blast as initially speculated.

Following the fatal explosion, the Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasaq Fadipe, has appealed to Lagos residents to be calm.

He told the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that the fire which was caused by an explosion had since been put out.

Fadipe similarly maintained that it was a gas explosion and not a bomb blast as was claimed by some persons, and urged the residents to go about their businesses without fear.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Southwest Spokesman, Mr Ibrahim Forinloye, said the fire was put out by the Lagos State Fire Service and nearby orgnaizations within Apapa area.

In his reaction, the Chief Executive Officer, Folawiyo Groups, Tunde Folawiyo, denied the reported death toll, adding that the explosion did not occur inside the depot, but on the Creek Road and Burma Road junction.

Folawiyo said the security agencies have started investigation on the matter and would soon come out with their findings.

At least, five persons were reportedly feared dead and many injured after two explosions erupted in Apapa, Lagos on Wednesday night.

Eyewitness account indicated, the explosions occurred simultaneously, with the first at the entrance to Folawiyo tank farm and the other inside the premises.