UPDATE: Panic over gas leakage in Magboro area on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

A gas pipeline leakage, which has caused gridlock along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has caused panic among residents of Arepo, and Magboro.

An eye witness told Nairametrics that the gas pipeline ruptured while Julius Berger was out its construction works on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around Punch Newspaper head office on Wednesday.

He said, “We suddenly heard a loud sound was heard around 9:30 a.m. It was caused by men of Julius Berger during construction this morning.”

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TRACE, FRSC warn road users

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, has asked motorists to avoid using the Magboro/Arepo axis of the expressway and find alternatives routes and those trapped in the traffic to keep safe, as first responders are addressing the development.

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In a statement, it said, “An incident of gas leakage, through a damaged pipeline by Julius Berger, the construction company, working on the Berger-interchange stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has resulted into an explosion around Punch Newspaper, Magboro, has been reported with traffic gridlock on both inbound and outbound sections of the expressway.

“Road Users around the axis are implored not to be jittery as safety officials from TRACE, FRSC, police, and the fire service are on top of the situation.

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“Those trapped in traffic are admonished to be patient, while those presently making their journey towards the expressway and are in haste should please seek alternative routes.”

‌The FRSC Corridor Commander, Lagos-Ibadan-Egbeda Corridor, Kehinde Hamzat, also asked road users not to panic that professionals are taking care of the situation.

READ: FRSC blames Lagos-Ibadan gridlock on Christmas, trading activities 

He said, “We have a case of gas pipeline explosion around Punch Newspaper, Magboro. The pipeline got busted while men of Julius Berger, the construction company working on Lagos-Ibadan expressway were excavating a surface for Worksite.

“This has led to a standstill traffic situation on both sections of the expressway.

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“Motorists are advised not to panic as professionals are being contacted to take care of the situation.

“For people who have time-bound activities may explore alternative routes and for those who can postpone their trips, let us endeavour to do so while the situation gets controlled.”

Gas Leakage in front of Punch Newspapers in Magboro/Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Agency has responded to a ruptured pipeline near the Punch Newspapers HQ, inward Berger.
The accidental damage was caused by the Julius Berger crew working on the road. All responders are on scene

— LRU #Call112 (@lasemasocial) December 16, 2020