Nine employees of Phoenix Steel Mills in the Ogijo area of Sagamu local government in Ogun State were seriously injured in a gas explosion on Sunday.

Following this incident, the state government has ordered an immediate closure of the company.

Mr. Ola Oresanya, the State Commissioner for Environment, conducted an on-the-spot assessment at the scene and announced that a thorough investigation would be carried out to determine the causes of the explosion and prevent future incidents.

The investigation will outline the conditions under which the company can operate to ensure the safety of its workers and the surrounding communities affected by the explosion.

The explosion affected the entire production line of the company.

The victims have been hospitalized at a nearby facility in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police command, confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred on Saturday night at approximately 2138hrs.

According to eyewitnesses, the explosion, attributed to a cylinder blast at the melting point area, caused non-life-threatening injuries to nine staff members.

The injured individuals were taken to Rolayo Private Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Nearby houses suffered damage, with reports of cracked windows frames due to the blast vibrations.

Angry community youths attempted to attack the company, but police and army forces from the 174 battalion in Odogunyan Ikorodu intervened to maintain order.

Additional security measures have been implemented to prevent further disturbances from opportunistic mobs.

The situation is under control, and updates will be provided to the public as necessary.