No fewer than Nine people have been injured and residential buildings damaged in the seedy Ogijo – Sagamu area of Ogun State following what is said to be caused by gas explosion.
The incident which occurred on Saturday, March 9 also caused a disturbing ground vibration, forcing many residents to scamper out of their homes in fear as walls and window panes cracked from impact of the vibrations.
It was learnt that the blast erupted from a factory – Phoenix Metal Company, in Ogijo at about 21.38am and some of the fear – stricken residents attempted to storm the factory with rage but a detachment of soldiers from Odogunyan barrack, Ikorodu and policemen who were mobilised to the site saved the situation.
The Daily Crucible gathered that the Ogun State ministry of environment quickly sealed the factory over safety concern and after the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, visited the scene to assess the situation.
There were conflicting accounts from unauthorised sources regarding the number of persons injured in the blast. While some sources gave seven, others said nine people were injured.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Superintendent of Police (SP) Omolola Odutola who confirmed the incident on Sunday night, said the victims of the blast were factory workers.
SP Odutola added that the victims were taken to Rolayo Private Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
“There was a case of an industrial accident that occurred at Phoenix Metal Company in Ogijo on the 9th of March 2024, at about 2138hrs.
“According to eye witness account, the blast explosion was attributed to a cylinder explosion which happened at the melting point area, affecting staff members who sustained non – life threatening injuries.
“The injured were taken to Rolayo Private Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The explosion impacted nearby houses causing damage from the blast. Houses , windows frames were reportedly cracked due to the vibrations from the blast .
“Enraged community youths tried to attack the company but efforts by policemen and army detachment of 174 battalion in Odogunyan Ikorodu were visibly on guard to intervene.
“More Security reinforcements have been deployed to prevent further uproar or disturbances, from angry mobs who may want to take advantage of the distress .
“The situation is under control and close monitoring, there is no indication for panic, whereas further updates will be communicated to members of the public,” she stated.
