A survivor of the gas explosion on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way at Maryland, Lagos, which claimed three lives and several vehicles on Thursday night, says it was as though angels rescued him from the fire.
Identifying himself as Peter, the survivor explained that he was seated in a car on the premises of OPIC Plaza when he felt an unusual coldness of his feet.
Peter said he was resting in the vehicle after the day’s work at the plaza.
He added that he got out of the car around 11 pm and saw a gas-laden truck stationed in front of OPIC Plaza and was paralysed with fear.
“Before I could come out of the plaza and cross to the other side of the road, the gas had already filled the whole area. It was so suffocating that it was very difficult for me to navigate my way out of the gaseous environment,” he told PUNCH.
“The security men were shouting ‘Where is Peter? Where is Peter?’ The way I came out, it was as though angels took me out.
“The fire started shortly after I left. I ran from Maryland to Ikeja to escape. I got to Ikeja before I stopped running. I called Jesus name till I got to Ikeja. I broke down in tears when I got to Ikeja because I know people already died.”
Thirteen people were injured while over 20 vehicles were burnt in the inferno, according to the director-general of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
