2 Killed, 3 Injured In FCT Gas Explosion

Two persons have died while three others sustained injuries following a gas explosion at Unguwar Tiv in Kuje Area Council of the FCT.

A resident of the community, Thomas Benjamin, said the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 5.12pm when a cylinder being refilled suddenly exploded.

He explained that the gas cylinder was leaking, but the attendant was unaware before it ignited.

“The man refilling the gas died on the spot, while the second victim died on the way to the hospital,” he said.

Benjamin added that three other customers at the shop sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital in Gwagwalada for treatment.

He also noted that the explosion affected three nearby shops, destroying goods and property, while officials of the fire service later arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire.

Meanwhile, the chairman-elect of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has commiserated with the families of the victims.

Shekwolo, who visited the scene on Wednesday alongside some APC chieftains, expressed sadness over the loss of lives.

He advised operators in the gas refilling business to be vigilant and adhere strictly to safety measures.

The chairman-elect also condoled with the bereaved families and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery, urging residents to take precautions to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.