The death toll of the pipeline explosion at Ijegun, Ijagemo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on July 4 has risen to 12.
Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves, said on Monday said three of the victims died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja while seven died at Gbagada General Hospital.
According to her, out of the 22 victims rescued by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), nine were taken to LASUTH, 12 to Trauma and Burns Unit of Gbagada General Hospital and one to Alimosho General Hospital.
“Unfortunately, due to the high degree of burns suffered by these victims which is almost at 100 percent, we lost 10 of them.
“But we are doing everything possible to ensure that no other life is lost and we will continue to do all in our might to provide intensive care for the remaining and from reports received they are responding to treatment.
“Treatment of victims with high percentage of burns requires intensive care and management which should follow some treatment protocol.
“This is why I am appealing to families of the victims to be calm and cooperate with our health workers as they care for their loved ones,” she said.
The permanent secretary said in a statement that the state government had so far spent over N10 million on the care of the victims.
Two persons died on the spot of the incident as shops and vehicles were razed.
The explosion affected parts of the Ijegun Community Primary and High Schools, the fence of a Catholic Church, and other nearby buildings.
