Lagos explosion: One killed, 15 injured

The National Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday said one person died and 15 others were injured in a fireworks-induced explosion at a warehouse in Jankara market in Lagos. It said the main victim was burnt beyond recognition.

The agency gave an update in a statement in Abuja by its Head of Public Relations Division, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib.

The statement said: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed a powerful explosion that occurred this morning in Lagos from a building suspected to be loaded with ‘knockouts’ brands of fireworks that are usually used during festive periods.



“The explosion which further triggered fire outbreaks within the neighboring environments occurred from a building suspected to be a warehouse for storage of electrical items at Jankara Market by Adeniji Adele in Lagos Island Local Government Council of Lagos State.

“Although the Search and Rescue Officers had hectic time to reach the densely populated area due to heavy traffic and crowds, other response agencies and volunteers mobilized were able to control the fire incidents in area with supports from residents.

“So far one human-body that was burnt beyond recognition had been recovered from the rubble of exploded area in Lagos as reported earlier.

“The recovery was made when search and rescue officers were working at the scene.

“The fire incident was triggered by suspected fireworks stored in presumed warehouse in Lagos Island. At least 15 people were treated for injuries sustained mostly from stampede during the explosion.