By Olaitan Ibrahim
A devastating explosion occurred on Thursday afternoon at a metal scrap yard in Idi-Araba, Mushin area of Lagos State, resulting in the death of a scavenger and injuring three others.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened when a group of scavengers attempted to dismantle a military-grade grenade they had found.
The device detonated, killing one of them instantly and severely injuring three others.
Akin Olawale, a resident of the area, recounted the incident, saying, “A sound of explosion was heard around past 12 pm and the police were immediately contacted because no one could ascertain the cause. It was later when the police arrived that we discovered that it was a grenade. The scavengers were trying to cut one of them open when it detonated.”
Security operatives who arrived at the scene found two undetonated grenades, which were safely disposed of by the Explosive and Ordinance Department of the Lagos State Police Command.
The injured persons were rushed to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the scene, saying, “We saw a vehicle moving some injured persons to the hospital and that was when we knew what happened. Those people we saw were terribly injured. It was when the vehicle stopped by a filling station that we saw them. The driver could not even wait because of the queue.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, stating that the explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade.
He assured that the area has been cordoned off and rendered safe, with investigation ongoing.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers of handling explosive devices.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and report any suspicious items to security agencies immediately.