Gas Explosion Kills 3, Razes Houses In Oyo

At least three people lost their lives when a tanker loaded with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) exploded at Idi-Iroko, Amuloko area of Ibadan in Ona-Ara local government area of Oyo State.

Our correspondent gathered that one of the victims has been identified as the owner of the tank farm, while the identities of the other victims could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

However, our source disclosed that they were burnt beyond recognition which made it difficult for easy identification.

It was gathered that the explosion occurred on Friday night when a gas tanker with registration number LSR268YC loaded with 15 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) was offloading the content into the gas skid tank.

Our source added, “Even though we could not say exactly what triggered the explosion, the only thing I know is that there was a blast which was accompanied by fire.

“It was late in the evening. Both the passersby and farm tankers scampered for safety but three persons were unlucky as they were consumed by the fire.”

Apart from the deaths recorded, valuables, including blocks of residential buildings, were razed by the fire.

Also confirming the incident, the special adviser to the governor on fire reforms/ chairman, Fire Services Agency, Hon Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, said three lives were lost to the incident.

“It was a gas tanker with Registration Number LSR268YC loaded with 15 tonnes capacity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) that exploded while transferring the content into the gas skid tank.

“The blast damaged two residential buildings; three persons were recovered and handed over to a team of policemen from Akanran Division.

“The operation was jointly carried out with a crew of firemen from the Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command.

“The explosion sparked panic among residents, and the prompt arrival of our officers contained the situation.”

The chairman emphasised the importance of obtaining the Fire Service, DPR and other stakeholders’ approval before installing a gas tank or cylinder to avoid unnecessary explosions.

He assured the community that all necessary fire safety measures had been taken and the investigation team would be sent to ascertain the root cause of the incident in order to avert future occurrences.