By Deborah Nnamdi
A gas explosion at a fast-food outlet in the Ajah area of Lagos has claimed the life of a 20-year-old staff member and left 13 others with serious burns.
The tragic incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at No. 5 Spring Garden Estate, Orchid Road, Ajah.
According to the Lagos State Police Command, a suspected gas leak led to a powerful explosion that engulfed the restaurant, reportedly owned by Uchechukwu Godwill Villason.
Preliminary investigations suggest the blast caused a massive fire, trapping workers inside the premises. Thirteen staff members suffered varying degrees of burns and were rushed to the General Hospital in Gbagada for emergency treatment.
One of the victims, identified as Kingsley Promise, a 20-year-old from Akwa Ibom State, later died from her injuries while receiving care.
Police detectives visited the explosion site to collect evidence and subsequently visited the hospital to assess the condition of the injured. The deceased’s remains have been transferred to the mortuary at Mainland General Hospital, Yaba, for autopsy.
In the wake of the explosion, the Lagos State Police Command has launched a thorough investigation into the incident and has urged businesses using gas-powered equipment to enforce strict safety protocols and conduct regular maintenance to avoid future tragedies.
