A major fire outbreak was reported on Friday afternoon near a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) station in the Badia Railway area of Apapa, Lagos State, sparking panic among residents and traders.
The blaze, which eyewitnesses said started around 12:35 p.m., reportedly began near the Plank Market located directly behind the gas facility. The proximity of the inferno to the LPG station raised fears of a possible explosion, prompting an urgent response from emergency agencies.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and police operatives, had been deployed to the scene.
“Officers are currently carrying out rescue operations and traffic management in the area to ensure safety and prevent escalation,” LASTMA stated.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as traders and commuters fled the area, abandoning goods and vehicles. Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the sky, visible from several kilometers away. Residents living close to the market said they feared for their lives due to the fire’s closeness to the gas station.
“I was at my shop when people started running and shouting that the gas station could explode. Everyone just abandoned their things and ran for safety,” said a trader at the Plank Market.
As of press time, authorities had yet to confirm the cause of the fire, though early accounts suggest it may have started from activities within the market before spreading toward the gas facility. Officials said investigations would be conducted once the fire is fully contained.
The incident has worsened traffic gridlock in Apapa and its adjoining routes, with LASTMA officers diverting vehicles away from the Badia Railway axis to forestall further chaos. Motorists heading toward Apapa Wharf, Ijora, and Orile were advised to seek alternative routes.
This fire marks another in a string of recent outbreaks across Lagos markets and densely populated areas, raising concerns about safety regulations and enforcement in environments where combustible materials are stored close to residential and commercial hubs. Safety experts have repeatedly warned against siting gas facilities near crowded markets and residential zones, stressing that such proximity poses catastrophic risks in the event of a fire.
“Lagos has had several close calls with gas explosions in recent years. This latest incident should serve as a reminder that regulatory enforcement must be stricter. The state cannot continue to play with fire—literally,” said a public safety analyst in reaction to the Apapa fire.
As emergency responders battle to bring the blaze under control, residents of Badia and adjoining neighborhoods remain on edge, hoping that the flames do not spread further or ignite the nearby LPG facility.
No casualties had been confirmed at the time of filing this report, but officials said updates would be provided as rescue and containment efforts continue.
