Panic erupted in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos on Sunday following a gas explosion that tore through a section of the Orisunmibare Market, off Baale Street.
Eyewitnesses said the blast occurred around midday when a gas cylinder reportedly exploded inside one of the shops, triggering a massive fire that quickly spread to nearby stalls.
The inferno destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira before emergency responders arrived.Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, supported by men of the police and other emergency agencies, swiftly mobilised to the scene to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings.
Although no casualties have been confirmed at press time, several traders were seen lamenting their losses as thick smoke billowed into the sky.
Authorities have cordoned off the affected area while investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion.