10 People Have Died From Ijegun Pipeline Explosion—Lagos Govt

The Lagos State Government yesterday confirmed that 10 victims of the Ijegun pipeline explosion in Lagos have died due to severe and high degree burns suffered from the inferno.

The explosion which occurred in the early hours of  July 4th had claimed two lives instantly, while several houses and properties were .

The Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Health, Dr Titilayo Goncalves have however disclosed that out of the 22 victims rescued by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), nine were taken to LASUTH, 12 to Trauma and Burns Unit of Gbagada General Hospital and one to Alimosho General Hospital.

Goncalves said that three of the victims died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja while seven died at Gbagada General Hospital.

“Unfortunately, due to the high degree of burns suffered by these victims which is almost at 100 percent, we lost 10 of them.

“But we are doing everything possible to ensure that no other life is lost and we will continue to do all in our might to provide intensive care for the remaining and from reports received they are responding to treatment.

“Treatment of victims with high percentage of burns requires intensive care and management which should follow some treatment protocol.

“This is why I am appealing to families of the victims to be calm and cooperate with our health workers as they care for their loved ones, “ she said.

The permanent secretary said in a statement that the state government had so far expended over N10 million on the care of the victims.

She assured that the survivors were receiving adequate and quality care at the designated government facilities free of charge.

“Victims of the inferno are being provided with adequate and quality care in our facilities free of charge in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive.

“Also, they are being closely monitored and cared for by our specialists to ensure their full recovery and rehabilitation”, Goncalves said.

Also, the Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Dr Adetokunbo Fabamwo, said that the hospital and its annex, the Trauma and Burns Unit, Gbagada General Hospital, were providing the necessary care and support needed to aid the victims’ quick recovery.

“LASUTH alone has expended about six million naira so far to cover laboratory investigations, X-rays, consumables and medications.

“In fact, one of the patients was treated with silver patches costing N350,000,” he said.

He added that daily on-the-spot assessments were being conducted by specialists in burns and trauma to ensure that the victims were rehabilitated in line with treatment protocol for burns.

“I want to assure families of the victims that their loved ones will receive the best care possible and we will ensure availability of medical and other supplies throughout the period of their management,” Fabamwo said.