Multiple casualties as gas explosion rocks Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Several people were feared dead on Friday night after a gas explosion occurred in the Bioku-Alaadun area of Ibadan, in the Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The incident reportedly happened when a tanker was offloading gas at a retail outlet in the area before it suddenly exploded, triggering chaos and widespread panic.

Witnesses said the blast claimed the life of the gas shop owner and affected other individuals who were close to the scene at the time of the explosion.

However, the exact number of casualties remained unclear as of press time.

The explosion sent thick smoke into the sky and caused residents in the neighbourhood to flee for safety, with several properties feared damaged.

Confirming the incident, the general manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Yemi Akinyinka, said operatives had been deployed to the scene to contain the fire and assess the extent of the damage.

He explained that emergency responders were still working at the site and that detailed information on casualties and losses would be released after ongoing assessments.