A residential building was gutted by fire following a suspected gas explosion at Ogunkoya Estate, Egbeda, in the Akowonjo area of Lagos, in the early hours of January 1, 2026.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred while occupants of the house were away attending a crossover worship service to usher in the New Year, a circumstance that prevented any loss of life. No casualties were recorded, as the building was unoccupied at the time of the explosion.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the fire was believed to have been triggered by a gas leak, which resulted in an explosion and a subsequent outbreak of fire that quickly engulfed the building.
Firefighters were later alerted and arrived at the scene, but residents expressed concern over the response, alleging that the fire service faced challenges due to insufficient water, which delayed efforts to contain the blaze.
The inferno caused extensive damage to the property before it was eventually brought under control.
Residents of Ogunkoya Estate described the incident as a shocking and distressing way to begin the New Year, while expressing relief that no lives were lost in the fire.
