Explosion Triggers Fire at Apapa Tank Farm

An explosion followed by a fire outbreak caused panic yesterday at the tank farm cluster in Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos, as emergency agencies battled to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby petroleum storage facilities.

The fire, which erupted at the Bono Tank Farm located within the Best Energy Tank Farm complex, forced workers and residents in the area to flee for safety while emergency responders launched efforts to bring the situation under control.

Firefighters from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) were swiftly deployed to the scene to contain the inferno and stop it from spreading to adjoining tank farms and other critical installations.

Sources said the fire broke out in the early hours of the day shortly after a loud explosion-like sound echoed across the neighbourhood, sparking fear among residents and workers.

Confirming the incident, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said no casualties had been recorded.

She disclosed that firefighters and other emergency personnel remained on the ground to combat the blaze and ensure it was fully contained.