Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Igbesa, Ogun State — A gas cylinder explosion on Sunday morning at a mattress and foam manufacturing company inside the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa sparked a large‑scale fire outbreak that caused extensive damage to nearby properties and sparked panic among workers, residents and students in the area.
The blast occurred at about 8:00 a.m., just as workers were beginning their shifts. Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion followed by thick plumes of black smoke and flying debris that soared into the sky, jolting those in the vicinity and drawing immediate attention to the scene. Many nearby residents and students rushed from their homes and classrooms in alarm, while others stood at a distance watching as the blaze gained intensity.
Emergency responders — including units of the Ogun State Fire Service and officers from the Ogun State Police Command — were rapidly deployed to contain the inferno. Firefighters battled to bring the flames under control, working amid intense heat and dense smoke to prevent the fire from spreading further across the industrial zone and into adjacent residential areas.
By midday, authorities said the fire had been brought under control and largely extinguished, with normalcy gradually returning to the zone. However, the incident left behind significant destruction and raised fresh concerns about industrial safety and emergency response preparedness.
Residents and workers reported that adjoining buildings — including other manufacturing facilities and business premises — suffered damage, with some structures heavily scorched or partially razed before firefighters could fully tame the blaze. Smoke and heat reportedly caused damage to walls, roofs and equipment in neighbouring units, adding to the scale of the incident.
In the nearby community, some homes sustained effects from the spread of fire and radiant heat, prompting precautionary evacuations by residents fearful of escalation. Local authorities moved to secure the area and guide people away from danger zones as the fire response operation continued.
As of the latest official updates, no deaths or injuries have been confirmed, although emergency officials indicated that assessments of human impact remain ongoing. The absence of immediate casualty figures prompted cautious optimism, but authorities noted that complete verification — including checks for potential injuries among workers, residents and first responders — was still underway.
Police personnel remained on hand throughout the response, with the Divisional Police Officer in Igbesa overseeing security operations and ensuring that the area remained safe for emergency crews. Officers also helped manage onlookers and maintain order as cleanup and investigations commenced.
Students of the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), located near the free trade zone, recounted the startling moment of the blast. Several students said they heard a powerful boom and saw smoke rising rapidly, prompting a swift evacuation of lecture halls and hostels. The Student Union Government issued an advisory urging classmates and residents to stay clear of the affected area and follow safety instructions.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperative as investigations into the cause of the explosion continue. Preliminary assessments suggest the blaze originated from a gas cylinder at the foam and mattress factory, but officials have stressed that a detailed forensic investigation is required to determine the precise triggers and any potential safety lapses.
In the coming days, emergency management teams are expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of factory infrastructure, review adherence to safety protocols and evaluate the effectiveness of the overall response. The findings are likely to inform recommendations on industrial safety measures and emergency preparedness within the free trade zone and other industrial estates across the state.
Local government authorities and community leaders have also pledged support for affected families and business owners as the recovery process begins, while calling on relevant regulatory agencies to enforce stricter safety standards to prevent similar incidents in future.
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