The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed speculations of terrorism or sabotage in connection with the explosion that rocked the Mushin area of Lagos on Thursday, confirming that the incident was caused by a mechanical fault in a generator.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the scene of the explosion. According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the blast occurred at a sachet water production factory located on Olateju Street, where a high-capacity generator reportedly developed a fault before exploding.
The police commissioner stated that one person lost his life in the incident while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. He noted that the deceased had been evacuated to a mortuary, while the injured victims were receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
“There is no security threat and there was no bomb involved in this incident. What occurred was a mechanical failure involving an industrial generator,” Jimoh said, urging residents to disregard rumours capable of creating unnecessary panic.
The explosion caused extensive damage to parts of the factory and several nearby structures. The impact also disrupted commercial activities within the densely populated neighbourhood as residents and business owners rushed to safety.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service and other agencies arrived promptly at the scene to contain the situation and prevent further damage.
Authorities have commenced a detailed investigation to establish the exact circumstances that led to the generator failure and determine whether safety regulations were violated. The police said findings from the investigation would guide further actions.
The incident has once again raised concerns over industrial safety and the widespread reliance on generators by businesses due to persistent electricity supply challenges. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of safety standards to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Residents have been encouraged to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as efforts continue to determine the full extent of the damage and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
