Tanker explosion: Many Lagos communities plunged into darkness

Tanker explosion: Many Lagos communities plunged into darkness 

 

Several communities along the Lekki-Epe corridor of Lagos have been plunged into darkness after a devastating gas tanker explosion on Saturday that triggered widespread damage to critical power infrastructure.

The blackout, confirmed by Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), affected key areas including Medallion, Sangotedo, Awoyaya, Eputu, Lakowe and Elemoro.

According to the utility provider, the explosion—sparked by a collision involving a gas tanker—ignited a fire that severely damaged the Ibeju and Medallion 33kV feeders, crippling electricity supply across the axis.

In a statement, EKEDC said the blaze destroyed vital conductors and overhead line equipment, forcing an unplanned outage. “Our technical team is working diligently to replace the damaged components and restore power supply as quickly and safely as possible,” the company said, while apologising to customers for the disruption.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has also been linked to significant loss of life and property.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the accident happened around 2:36 a.m. when a speeding 20-tonne tipper truck rammed into a stationary 30-tonne gas tanker that had reportedly failed to pull off the highway.

The resulting explosion sparked a massive fire that spread rapidly, engulfing three nearby warehouses and at least 10 roadside shops, including a gym and a generator house.

Emergency responders eventually brought the blaze under control, but not before it caused extensive destruction. Several vehicles—including three Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla, and a forklift—were affected within the impacted premises.

Tragically, two occupants of the tipper truck were recovered dead, while the driver of the gas tanker reportedly escaped unharmed.

The disaster underscores growing concerns over road safety and the risks posed by heavy-duty vehicles on busy highways, particularly in rapidly developing corridors like Lekki-Epe.