An unknown explosion hit Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria in the early hours of Sunday, killing at least 15 people. Emergency officials are currently on a search-and-rescue mission to save people still trapped in collapsed buildings.
According to Ibrahim Farinloye, the spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency, the explosion in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos was heard several kilometres (miles) away. It destroyed more than 50 buildings, which either collapsed or caught fire, in three different neighbourhoods.
It caused fire to spread to nearby oil pipelines, which led to fears of more damage or explosions. The death toll was expected to rise because residents said some people remained trapped in collapsed buildings.
Farinloye said: “Fifteen bodies have been recovered, including a whole family of four who were heading to church before they were cut short in the explosion”.
At least two people have also been rescued alive, he said. One building is a school where injured children have been pulled from the rubble, some covered in blood.
Nigerian officials were not yet able to identify the cause of the massive explosion. A naval base is located nearby.
Linda Uche, a resident of the Amuwo Odofin area said the sound of the explosion and the extent of the damage was far more serious than a usual oil pipeline explosion, which happens frequently.
On Twitter and Instagram, many resident in areas close to the site reportedly felt the explosion rock their buildings.
