Lagos “Black Tuesday”: Pregnant woman collapses as explosion destroys houses in Ajegunle

Eyewitnesses said the pregnant woman could not bear counting her loss after an explosion started a huge fire that razed her home.

In Ajegunle area of Lagos State, a local welder was reportedly trying to put a cage together. The metal cage was meant for petroleum products stored nearby. One thing led to another, and the products exploded.

That happened at 1, Freedom Street, at about 10.30 a.m., reports say.

First responders were unable to tame the ensuing flames that destroyed the entire building and later spread to 171, Orodu Street.

One of the houses reportedly belonged to a local chief.

Eyewitnesses said the pregnant woman collapsed as she helplessly watched the flames lick away at her home.

The petroleum products allegedly belonged to a woman who sells them on the black market. She reportedly ran into hiding after the accident.

“The woman, who caused all this, has been warned several times to change business, but she did not heed the advice,” a resident of the area reportedly told local media.

“Only last week, a prophet who came to warn that danger was looming and that everyone should beware of fire outbreak.

“This woman was cautioned again. But she got more products because of the rumoured fuel scarcity.”

The Ajegunle inferno was one of three fire accidents that occurred in Lagos on Tuesday.

Prince Ebeano Supermarket in Lekki, and a timber market in Ebute-Metta areas of the state also witnessed property-destroying infernos.

Lagos residents tagged the day “Black Tuesday.”

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