Lagos (Nigeria), Feb 02: A blast rocked the heart of Nigeria's commercial capital today, killing as many as 50 people, witnesses and local radio reported. The explosion occurred about 12:30 pm (1700 GMT) on Lagos island, the center of the business district of this city of 12 million.
It tore through a three-story building in a blast that could be heard for miles.
Resident Omololu Kassim, who was helping carry the victims, told the associated press he saw 40 dead and as many injured.
Radio stations were reporting up to 50 killed.
Crowds massed at the scene, many wailing as police and other rescue workers struggled to pull corpses from the rubble.
Most of the building had collapsed and two nearby buildings badly shaken by the blast were leaning precariously.
There was no immediate word on the cause.
Residents said the building housed a bank on one floor and residential apartments on other floors. The apartments apparently accounted for the high casualty toll on a Sunday, when banks normally are closed. Bureau Report