Ijegun Pipeline Fire: Number of Deaths Rise to 12
Number of deaths caused by the July 4 Ijegun pipeline explosion have risen to 12. Ten more victims from the 22 rushed to hospital have been confirmed dead in hospitals as a result of severe and high degree burns suffered from the inferno.
Confirming this in Lagos on Monday was the Lagos State government through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves.
Goncalves said that three of the victims died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja while seven died at Gbagada 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.
“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 expended over N10 million on the care of the victims.
She assured that the survivors were receiving adequate and quality care at the designated government facilities free of charge.
“Victims of the inferno are being provided with adequate and quality care in our facilities free of charge in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive.
Also, the Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Dr. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, said that the hospital and its annex, the Trauma, and Burns Unit, Gbagada General Hospital, were providing the necessary care and support needed to aid the victims’ quick recovery.
“LASUTH alone has expended about six million naira so far to cover laboratory investigations, X-rays, consumables and medications.
“In fact, one of the patients was treated with silver patches costing N350,000,” he said.
He added that daily on-the-spot assessments were being conducted by specialists in burns and trauma to ensure that the victims were rehabilitated in line with treatment protocol for burns.
Two lives were lost on July 4 during the pipeline explosion at Ijegun, Lagos State.
