TheCable

Many workers and students were stranded on Wednesday due to the explosion that destroyed many shops on Olusesi street in the Ifako-Ishaga area of Lagos.

The road leading to Iju Ishaga has now been closed to traffic.

Transporters have also used the opportunity to hike their fares, exacerbating the cost of living crisis pervading the land.

No casualty was recorded at the time of filing this report, with operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responding to the outbreak timeously.

According to a witness, a gas leak from a shop along the road caused the explosion.

“Contrary to what people are saying, the leak that caused it happened from a small gas shop not far from Kenzo filling station,” the witness told TheCable.

Margaret Adeseye, director of the Lagos state fire service, said in a statement that the “explosion occurred at Agbado Road, Toyin Bus Stop, Iju Ishaga”.

“The fire was reported at 22:04hrs Tuesday as a result of a gas tanker which accidentally caught fire, and accompanied with explosion, which has been confined to the tanker and adjoining row of shops as concerted efforts are ongoing to forestall further spread,” she added.

“The agency is assuring the public of their safety and admonishing them to be as distant as possible from the scene while naked flames should be avoided for now within the vicinity.”