It was a black Thursday in Lagos yesterday the 15th day of May 2008 as several people died as a result of an explosion from a pipeline in Ijegun in the Alimosho Local Government Area.It was reported that the explosion which took place at about 10 o’clock in the morning was not as a result of vandalism. A caterpillar/tractor doing some road construction accidentally hit the pipeline, which then resulted in the inferno.
Lots of innocent lives were lost including a child who was just two years old! Over fifty others were reported dead as the fire from the explosion licked through the surrounding neighbourhood. Some of those reported dead were Students of Ijegun Comprehensive High School, Students from Baptist Model High School and Students from Ijegun Community Primary School. Others include some residents, traders and artisans who were said to be all within few metres of the scene of the incident.
It was reported that the fire fighters were present to fight the fire, but they ran out of water in their tanks even before the fire was put out!The fire which lasted almost the whole day was reduced to a manageable level with thanks to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and NNPC who came ‘foam tender’. A foam tender is an equipment specially designed for containment of petroleum fire outbreak. As at 8pm Thursday, 15 May 2008, the efforts to quench the fire were still on as the fire was still burning and residents vacating their homes!
This is a very sad incident and I sincerely pray that it never happens again. To everyone who lost a loved one in that inferno, accept my sincere sympathy. May the good Lord strengthen you. AMEN.
To the fire fighters thank you for responding on time. However, it would be appreciated if you fight the fire with the right water and or chemicals where applicable.
EKO O NI BAJE!
