Tragedy was averted on Friday at Isale Odo, LASU Road, in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, following the containment of a pipeline explosion.

Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Acting Coordinator, South West Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lagos.

Farinloye said the explosion was caused by the collapse of a 330KV Line which occurred within the axis earlier in the day.

He said the collapsed high tension line from Egbin Power Plant, Ikorodu, supplies electricity to Ikeja West which falls under the operational network of Ikeja Electric.

“The electricity cable collapse led to sparks and the sparks got to spilled petrol around the area which led to the pipeline gutting fire and a subsequent explosion.

“The pipeline corridor has been known to have spillage often due to activities of vandals,’’ Farinloye stated.

He noted that the fire was still raging but did not pose any threat to lives or property

He stated also that NNPC’s safety officials were on their way to the swampy location to put out the fire.

Farinloye added that officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps were already on ground monitoring the situation.

He added that Ikeja Electric Plc. was trying to isolate the 330KV line, having been informed of the development.

SEE AFFECTED AREAS

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has listed areas under its network of operations affected by the incident.

The electricity distribution company blamed the incident on activities by vandals which led to a pipeline explosion and collapse of the towers across the Akangba/Ikeja West Lines.

The DisCo in a statement on its social media page said the areas affected by the incident were Akangba, Amuwo, Apapa, FESTAC, Orile and Yaba.

It said others experiencing blackouts are Yaba, Ijesha, LUTH, Tejuosho and environs.

“We are working with our Transmission Company of Nigeria partners on a swift resolution and will keep you updated on the situation.

“Thank you for your understanding,” EKEDC said.