Lagos Bomb Explosion Update: The Real Cause Of Blast Finally Explained

A loud explosion heard in the Apapa area of Lagos State yesterday has been explained as emanating from a petrol tanker. The Lagos State Police Command, Wednesday night, sought to dispel rumours suggesting that a bomb had exploded at the Apapa area of the state.
Speaking to newsmen via telephone, Ngozi Braide, the Lagos State Police Spokesperson, said that the explosion was caused by a tanker conveying petrol. "There is nothing whatsoever suggesting that it was a bomb explosion, it was a tanker loaded with fuel that burst into flames," Ms. Braide said. "Policemen are on ground there now and we cannot yet ascertain the casualty figures. But everything is under control," she added.
Also speaking, Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Kehinde Adebayo, who responded on behalf of the Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed to journalists that the loud noise accompanied by the fire explosion is "from a tanker loaded with fuel."
He said men of the LASEMA are now attending to that explosion and fire on scene of the incident, and have found that it is not a bomb blast. He however, could also not immediately tell whether or not there were casualties, as the men were still making frantic efforts to contain the fire. The explosion had caused many residents to panic, fearing the loud explosion might be a bomb blast.
However, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), attributed the cause of the fire to a gas cylinder explosion. Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA Spokesperson, South-West, said that the explosion occurred at 26, off Creek Road, Apapa at about 9:15 p.m. "People were reported to be filling gas into the cylinder before it exploded," Mr. Farinloye said in a text message.
"Fire service men from Federal and state are working to put out d fire that resulted from the explosion. Details will only come after the end of the operation. The incident happened within Folawiyo Energy Premises but they did not allow fire men into their premises at all," Mr. Farinloye added.