Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has begun an investigation to ascertain the cause of Thursday’s gas explosion around Ogun State Property Investment Company (OPIC) Plaza in Ikeja.

Lanre Majola, director-general of Lagos State Safety Commission, disclosed this on Friday while speaking with journalists after inspecting the damage caused by the explosion.

Three persons were killed, while 13 other people got injured after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker exploded in front of the plaza.

No fewer than 24 cars were also destroyed, while a part of the building was severely damaged by the explosion, which occurred at about 10.32 p.m. on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja.

Mr Majola said, “Our investigation is going on. At the end of the day, we will publish our report, and if we find out that anyone is liable, we will prosecute the person. We believe that bad practices cannot just continue in this country.

“Just to reiterate, we will complete our investigation, make it public, and if we find out that there is any form of negligence by any means or firm or shape, we will certainly ensure that the law takes its course.”

He added that the government recently held a meeting with stakeholders on the need to have strict standards, especially with the handling of gas emphasised.

Mr Majola explained that the tanker could have avoided the explosion if it followed prerequisite safety standards.

“We have been told that the truck spilt its content. Ideally, every truck should have two safety valves. In the event that there is an external force, it will keep the content protected.

“Even if there is a little bit of escape, it won’t cause as much damage,” he said.

Also, Abiodun Arole, OPIC managing director, while describing the incident as a tragedy, commiserated with the victims on behalf of the Ogun government.

Mr Arole said, ”I am currently speechless because I never expected that the level of damage would be this much. My primary concern here is not so much about what we have lost in property, but the lives that have been lost.”

He also disclosed that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency would carry out an assessment and integrity test on the property before OPIC could take any further decision.