There was pandemonium on Monday at the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta — one of the venues of the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State — following a gas explosion that sent athletes and spectators fleeing for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred when a gas truck supplying fuel to the venue’s generating set suddenly caught fire. The incident triggered panic as thick smoke rose into the air, prompting a chaotic evacuation of nearby areas.
Athletes, officials, and spectators reportedly scampered to avoid being caught in the fire, which erupted close to the main arena hosting several events, including handball, squash, and badminton.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene swiftly and managed to bring the situation under control. As of the time this report was filed, there were no confirmed casualties.
Despite the initial panic, events at the venue had resumed, with matches in handball, squash, and badminton continuing as scheduled.
Further details are expected as investigations into the cause of the explosion continue.
