Panic and chaos erupted early Sunday morning at the Ogun Guandong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State, after a gas cylinder exploded at a foam-manufacturing company.
The blast, which occurred around 8:00 a.m. in the mattress production section of the industrial park, was immediately followed by a raging fire that sent thick, choking smoke billowing into nearby residential areas, including student hostels.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. “The explosion shook the entire building. Smoke filled the sky, and everyone started running for their lives. Students were screaming and shouting as they fled,” said one resident who witnessed the incident.
Before emergency responders arrived, flames had already spread to some adjacent buildings, causing severe damage. “I saw fire engulfing parts of the factory and nearby structures. People were desperately trying to save their belongings, but it was too dangerous,” another eyewitness recounted.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Seyi Babaseyi, revealed the situation had been brought under control. “The fire has been successfully contained, and normalcy has been restored in the area,” he stated.
However, Babaseyi did not disclose the number of casualties or the extent of the property damage. He noted that the Divisional Police Officer in Igbesa, supported by police personnel and emergency service officials, had been deployed to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Residents and workers, still shaken by the incident, have been urged to stay cautious as authorities investigate the cause of the explosion and assess the full impact of the fire.