No fewer than four persons have been confirmed killed in a gas tanker explosion in the Ikeja area of Lagos State.

Several other people  sustained different degree of burns. Some of the victims are currently battling for survival as they are receiving medical attention at the emergency ward of a general hospital.

Ibrahim Farinloye, Acting Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikeja on Friday.

Mr Farinloye said the explosion threw the environment into panic due to the huge fire caused by the incident.

He said the explosion was alleged to have been caused by a leakage while the LPG tanker was in motion.

“The resulting fire travelled with the wind to the premises of Ogun State Property Investment Company (OPIC) Plaza besides Sheraton Hotels which houses different commercial outfits including a Chinese restaurant.

“The fire was put out at about 12.30 a.m., after concerted efforts by five fire trucks from the Lagos State Fire Service and two trucks from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit.

“The initial search and rescue activities revealed that 13 persons sustained various degrees of burns. Out of this, nine are males while four are females.”