Safety Tips On How To Prevent Gas Explosion

A gas explosion in Ijora Badia, a suburb of Lagos, injured at least 15 people on Sunday, 6th April 2025. The blast, which occurred around 5:00 p.m., was reportedly caused by a leaking 25-kilogram gas cylinder inside a small shop.

This shop was part of a bungalow complex that also contained 15 self-contained rooms and seven other shops. According to an eyewitness, Mr. Kabiru Ahmed, the explosion caused significant damage, though thankfully, no one lost their life.

Preliminary investigations suggest that improper handling of the gas caused the leak, which was ignited by a nearby flame. Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the incident and stated that the fire had been completely extinguished. She added that all remaining gas cylinders were safely removed from the scene.

Fifteen individuals, both adults and children, sustained burn injuries of varying severity.

“Many received first aid on-site, while others were transported to the hospital for further treatment. Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening,” Adeseye explained.

Emergency response teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and the Nigeria Police were all present at the scene.

The explosion, which occurred at around 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, involved a 25kg gas cylinder in a mini shop that stored five similar cylinders. The shop was located within a bungalow that housed 15 self-contained rooms and seven other shops.

According to Adeseye, the fire was caused by a gas leak due to mishandling, which was triggered by a nearby flame.

“It was a case of poor handling of gas products, which unfortunately allowed gas to escape and come in contact with a flame. This triggered the explosion,” Adeseye stated.

“The resulting fire was swiftly extinguished, and the gas cylinders were safely removed. The danger was completely averted, and normalcy has since returned to the area,” she added.

Adeseye also confirmed that 15 people had sustained burn injuries, but none of them had life-threatening injuries. Some victims received first aid at the scene, while others were taken to nearby hospitals for further care.

The fire was extinguished through the combined efforts of firefighters from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station, officials from LASEMA, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and LASAMBUS. A similar gas explosion earlier this year, in March 2025, on the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway tragically left five people dead.

How To Avoid Gas Explosions

The recent gas explosion in Lagos shows just how important it is to follow safety guidelines when using gas in homes and businesses. Here are five simple ways to avoid gas explosions:

Regularly Check and Maintain Gas Equipment:

Bassey Essien, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, says that expired or damaged cylinders, along with unnoticed leaks, are common causes of gas explosions. He reminds us that gas cylinders have an expiration date and should be maintained every five years during their 15-year lifespan.

Make sure to regularly inspect gas cylinders, pipes, and appliances for leaks, wear, or damage. Hire a certified professional for routine checks to avoid any issues.

Keep Electrical Appliances Away from Gas Cylinders:

Never use electrical appliances or open flames near a gas cylinder while changing connections or checking for leaks.

It’s also a good idea not to use your phone in the kitchen when cooking with a gas stove. Experts say these actions could start a fire, and if it gets out of control, it could lead to an explosion.

Ensure Proper Ventilation:

Storing gas cylinders near stoves, ovens, or in direct sunlight can cause dangerous pressure buildup.

Gas cylinders should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat or flammable materials. Make sure the cylinders are stored upright and the valve is tightly closed when not in use.

Always use gas appliances in places with good ventilation to allow any leaked gas to disperse safely. Never use gas appliances in small, enclosed spaces where gas could accumulate and cause an explosion.

Don’t Open the Gas Flow Before Igniting the Flame:

If you’re using a burner without automatic ignition, don’t turn on the gas before lighting the flame.

Opening the gas flow first could release too much gas into the air, which might lead to a fire or even an explosion if the flame can’t catch properly.

Install Gas Detectors:

Gas detectors are devices designed to measure the levels of different gases. They use various sensors, such as combustible, infrared, ultrasonic, and electrochemical sensors.

Install gas detectors in your kitchen and other areas where gas appliances are used. These detectors can warn you if gas is leaking, giving you enough time to take action before it becomes a danger.

Educate and Train Everyone on Gas Safety:

Make sure everyone in your home or workplace understands gas safety. Teach them how to check for leaks, turn off the gas, and know what to do in case of a gas emergency.