A tanker carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been reported to have exploded on Thursday night at Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, opposite Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos State.

According to report, no fewer than 13 persons sustained various degrees of injuries following the incident.

Confirming the incident, the acting Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye added that about 25 cars were destroyed as a result of the explosion which occurred at about 10:32 p.m on Thursday.

Explaining the cause of the explosion, Farinloye said the explosion was alleged to have been caused by leakage while the LPG tanker was in motion.

“The resulting fire travelled with the wind to the premises of Ogun State Property Investment Company (OPIC) Plaza besides Sheraton Hotels, which houses different commercial outfits including a Chinese Restaurant.

“The fire was put out at about 12.30 a.m., after concerted efforts of five fire trucks from the Lagos State Fire Service and two trucks from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit.

“The initial search and rescue activities revealed that 13 persons sustained various degrees of burns. Out of this, nine are males while four are females,” Mr Farinloye said.

According to him, the affected victims were attended to at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for First Aid.

He said four of the victims with severe injuries were later transfered to the Trauma and Burns Centre at Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

“Preliminary assessment of vehicles damaged indicated that about 25 were destroyed as at now.

“Comprehensive post disaster assessment on the extent of general damages would be done later today,” Farinloye added.