The Ogun State government has sealed Phoenix Steel Mills company in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area after seven people were left injured following a gas explosion and are currently hospitalized in a hospital in nearby Ikorodu in Lagos state.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya on Sunday stating that the explosion affected almost the entire production line of the company.
Oresanya said the State government will do a thorough investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the explosion to know how to prevent future occurrences.
He added that the investigation will spell out in clear terms the conditions under which the company can operate so that its workers can be adequately protected as well as the property of its immediate communities which were affected by the gas explosion.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday night, a police spokesman in Ogun, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident, adding that the victims of the blast were factory workers.
Ms Odutola added that the victims were taken to Rolayo Private Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos.
“There was a case of an industrial accident that occurred at Phoenix Metal Company in Ogijo on March 9 at 9:38 p.m. According to eyewitness accounts, the explosion was attributed to a cylinder explosion that happened at the melting point area, affecting staff members who sustained injuries.
“The explosion impacted nearby houses as window frames were reportedly cracked due to the vibration from the blast. Community youths tried to attack the company but efforts by policemen and the army detachment of 174 battalions in Odogunyan Ikorodu were visibly on the ground to intervene.
“The situation is under control and close monitoring. There is no indication of panic, whereas further updates will be communicated to members of the public,” she stated.
