Scavenger dies, three hospitalised as military grenade explodes in Lagos

A yet-to-be-identified scavenger has been killed after a military-grade grenade exploded at Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Online learnt that three other persons were injured in the incident, which occurred on Thursday.

It was gathered that some scavengers in a metal scrap yard were attempting to dismantle one of the grenades in their possession.

The device, however denoted in the process, killing one of them on the spot while three others sustained severe injuries.

A resident, Akin Olawale, told our correspondent on Friday that the explosion which occurred in the afternoon also resulted in panic among residents.

He said, “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.”

Two undetonated grenades were said to have been found after security operatives arrived at the spot.

Another resident, who does not want his name mentioned, citing security reasons said the injured persons were taken to the hospital.

“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 resident disclosed.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding the Explosive and Ordinance Department of the command has rendered the place safe.

He said, “The explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. One person was killed and three were hospitalised. The incident happened at about 1:30pm and the Explosive and Ordinance Department has rendered the place safe.

“The scene of the incident has also been cordoned off. There is a zero possibility of another explosion and investigation has commenced.”