Many people have been confirmed dead as a pipeline explosion occurred at Ijegun, Satellite Town, Lagos State.

The explosion, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, was caused by pipeline vandals who were scooping petrol from pipes in the area.

Residents of the community said they were thrown into confusion when they heard the pipeline explosion followed by a fire outbreak.

The Spokesperson for National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, South West zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the incident said that the agency has alerted the Nigeria National Petroleum, NNPC management and other relevant agencies of the development.

He said: “It is noted that vandals are responsible for the incident and some of them are affected in the inferno.

“Security agencies have cordoned off the area to restrict access of undesirable elements. People should remain calm.

“NEMA has also called on the safety unit of the corporation to immediately shut down further supplies through pipeline in order to suffocate the fire.” Fire fighters are currently battling to put out the fire.

More later…