The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has confirmed that a diesel tank explosion was the cause of a devastating fire at a section of the Canadian High Commission in Abuja on Monday.
The tragic incident resulted in the loss of two lives and left two others severely injured.
According to Mrs Nkechi Isa, FEMA’s Head of Public Affairs, the explosion occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. within the High Commission’s generator house, where a team from JMD company was servicing two MIKANO generators.
“One of the generators was said to be working while the other one was being serviced when a tank containing 2,000 litres of diesel in the generator house exploded.
“Two of the personnel servicing the generator died from the explosion, while two others survived with severe burns and were taken to the Trauma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja,” she said.
She added that FCT Fire Service personnel managed to contain the fire by approximately 12:30 p.m., with ambulances from various emergency response units, including the Ministry of Defence, Federal Fire Service, and FEMA, on standby for assistance.
Responding to the incident, the acting Director-General of FEMA, Mr Mohammed Sabo, urged heightened caution when dealing with petroleum products, especially with the onset of the dry season.
Sabo emphasized the importance of the toll-free number 112 in any disaster or emergency, encouraging residents to prioritize safety and swift response in such critical circumstances.
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