Four Injured as Explosion Rocks Lagos Drinking Joint…Police Deny Report
LAGOS OCTOBER 12TH (URHOBOTODAY)-No fewer than four persons were said to have been injured in a dreadful explosion that rocked a Beer parlor at Oworonshoki area of Lagos yesterday.
The incident was said to have occurred at about 1pm.
It was learnt that among the injured persons was, a 1year old baby who was said to have suffered shock as a result of the loud bang of the explosion.
The thunderous explosion was reported to have occurred yesterday afternoon along Oworo Road, Oworoshoki, Lagos. The blast also affected a hotel located directly behind the bar.
Eyewitnesses said a gas cylinder of a deep freezer caused the explosion. The explosion caused thick fire in the area, triggering fear and apprehension within the neighbourhood.
Although, the identities of those who were injured in the incident could not be ascertained as at press time, but sources said all affected victims were rushed to a nearby hospital from where they were treated and discharged.
Tajudeen Amao told Urhobotoday that the explosion destroyed the entire block of shops and partially affected a hotel located behind the beer parlor.
“Those who were injured were seated close to the shop when the explosion occurred. The explosion pulled down the entire walls. Some of the broken blocks fell on the head of one of the victim.
“He was rushed to Afolabi Hospital, where the injury was stitched by the medical hands on ground,” he added.
The witness alleged that the explosion took resident of the area by shock causing grave stampede in the area.
This resulted to multiple accidents as drivers hurriedly made U-turns to avoid being trapped in the chaotic situation.
The source claimed that it was when rescuers arrived that it was discovered that it was a gas cylinder of a fridge that exploded.
It was learnt that the Drinking Bar was locked as at the time of explosion.
Policemen from the Anti-Bomb Squad have been called in to conduct investigations into the remote cause of the explosion.
A witness disclosed that policemen from Oworo Division have already been positioned around the area, barricading all roads leading to the street.
The witness further disclosed that the casualty figure in the explosion might be high going by extent of damage done to both the hotel and bar.
The Public Relations Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the South-West Region, Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the explosion through a text message however said only three persons, sustained various degrees of injuries in the explosion.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Fire Service, Razaq Fadipe, however said four persons actually sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“An explosion occurred inside a locked beer parlor that is yet to be opened along L&K road, Oworosoki inward Mayaki.
“Three people injured including a girl. They have been rushed to Afolabi hospital for treatment.
“Fire servicemen and the police are currently trying to find out the cause as the shop was locked at the time of explosion.
“Crowd is presently gathered around the area. This has greatly impeded emergency works. The explosion partly affected a building next to the beer parlor wit serious effect on human beings,” Farinloye said.
Raz Fadipe who also confirmed the incident said policemen from the Anti Bomb Squad have been called into the operation.
“The explosion occurred at No.88 Oworo Road, Oworonsoki. It was a gas cylinder of a freezer that exploded. The impact of the explosion also affected one hotel behind the bar. The fence of the hotel separates the hotel from the drinking joint.
“Four persons were injured. One sustained head injury and had been stitched while another was wounded at the back. A baby girls was also affected by the shock,” Fadipe said.
The Lagos State Police Command has however denied report of explosion incidence in Lagos. Making the denial in a press statement signed by Lagos State Police Command Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Joseph Ofor, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) made available to Urhobotoday, an online medium, the command affirmed that what happened was a minor fire incident which occurred at L & K Bus-Stop, inOworonshoki area of Lagos State at about 1400hrs,where a wine shop went in flames caused by a leaking refrigerator gas.
“No life was lost. However, three persons suffered burns and were taken to hospital. Two were treated and discharged at a private hospital, while the third, is admitted at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi-Araba.
“In line with the Inspector-General’s of Police policy thrust of pro-active policing, the Command will continue to emplace measures to increase Police visibility in the state with a view to nipping in the bud any untoward incident,” the statement assured.
