Tragedy in Ajah: Gas Explosion at Lagos Eatery Kills 20-Year-Old Worker, Injures 13 Others
A tragic gas explosion rocked a fast-food outlet in the Ajah area of Lagos, claiming the life of a young female staff member and leaving thirteen others with serious burn injuries. The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at a restaurant located at No. 5 Spring Garden Estate, along Orchid Road in Ajah.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Command stated that a suspected gas leak led to the explosion, which sparked a fire that rapidly spread through the kitchen and service area of the fast-food outlet. Staff members, most of whom were working at the time, were caught in the flames and sustained various degrees of burns.
The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Kingsley Promise, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State. She was rushed to Gbagada General Hospital alongside thirteen other injured workers. Unfortunately, despite efforts by medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries. Her body has since been transferred to the Mainland General Hospital mortuary in Yaba for autopsy.
Police officers from the Ajah Division visited the scene of the explosion and the hospital to assess the situation and initiate preliminary investigations. The authorities are now probing the exact cause of the gas leak and whether there were any lapses in safety protocols by the restaurant operators.
In a statement, the police urged all commercial establishments using gas-powered equipment to conduct regular maintenance checks and ensure that staff are trained to detect leaks and respond quickly in emergencies. The Command emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to industrial safety guidelines to avoid similar tragedies.
The explosion has left the Ajah community in shock, with many residents calling for tighter safety regulations in eateries and similar high-risk businesses. While investigations continue, the focus remains on securing justice for the victim and ensuring proper care for the injured.
As the city mourns this avoidable loss, authorities have vowed to take decisive action against any proven negligence and to reinforce safety compliance across all food-related establishments operating within the state.
