Explosion rocks Lagos building, sparks panic and chaos

DDM News

A sudden explosion rocked a commercial building near the Ikeja Under Bridge on Friday evening, triggering widespread panic in the area.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. beside the Cash & Carry store along Kodesho Road, heading toward Awolowo Way.

The loud blast startled residents, commuters, and shop owners, causing many to flee in fear of a larger disaster.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the explosion was caused by a malfunctioning solar inverter.

According to Rabiu Abass, who was present at the scene, the device suddenly blew up, shaking nearby structures and creating a cloud of smoke.

“The explosion was caused by an inverter that blew up. The Lagos Fire and Rescue Service is already on the scene. There’s heavy traffic in the area, and people were seen running in panic,” he told Vanguard.

Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were quickly deployed to the location.

Firefighters commenced immediate efforts to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjoining buildings.

Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the incident and called for calm.

“There is no cause for alarm. The situation is under control,” she stated, adding that her team was fully engaged in extinguishing the fire.

Despite her assurances, by 8:30 p.m., responders were still working to completely put out the flames, which had engulfed part of a building in the vicinity.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also reacted promptly to the situation.

The agency posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), noting that traffic was being redirected to ensure motorists’ safety.

Vehicles were diverted from the General Hospital under the bridge through the Oba Akran Bridge.

Videos from the scene circulated online, showing the aftermath of the explosion.

One video captured a car with shattered windows and a visibly shaken woman expressing gratitude for surviving the incident unharmed.

“I thought it injured me. Father, I thank you,” the woman said, circling her damaged vehicle in disbelief.

Another eyewitness, a user on X identified as The KVNG (@Teclef), shared his close brush with danger.

“I was in the middle of the road, about to cross to the front of the explosion,” he posted.

As of Friday night, officials had not released a detailed report on any casualties or further damage.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the precise cause of the explosion.

They are also assessing the structural integrity of the affected building and surrounding areas.

Emergency services have urged residents and businesses to remain calm and stay away from the area until it is declared safe.

The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards in the handling and installation of electrical devices in public and private buildings.

More updates are expected from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) as the situation unfolds.

The public has been advised to follow official channels for accurate information and avoid spreading panic through unverified social media posts.

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