2 die, 37 sustain injury in Nasarawa gas explosion

…As Deputy Governor, Saraki condoles with victims
Residents of Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, on Monday, woke up to the unfortunate incident of gas explosion in a fuel station, recording about two deaths while about 37 people sustained serious degree of injuries.

Speaking on the incident, the state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mrs. Faustina Alegbe, said that two persons died while 37 people were injured.

She said, “So far, 37 people are receiving treatment in the hospital but two have been confirmed dead by the doctors.

“Tomorrow, we will go back to the hospital to do an update. But I can tell you that I was in the hospital myself to do a physical count and as of now, 37 are receiving treatment with two dead.”

Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Mr. Silas Agara, who spoke during his on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the incident, stated that the state government would take the necessary steps to unravel the cause of the accident.

Agara, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, Yahaya Bello, and Chairman, Lafia Local Government, Malam Aminu Muazu, described the explosion which occurred at Monaco Gas plant within the premises of Natson Filling station on Jos Road, Lafia, as most unfortunate.

He expressed his condolences and sympathy to the victims on behalf of Governor Tanko Al-Makura and assured the people of the government’s readiness to respond to the emergency and ensure a thorough investigation of the incident.

Agara applauded the security and emergency response teams for their quick intervention and advised the public to stay away from the scene to allow relevant agencies to carry out their investigation into the matter.

The deputy governor and his entourage later visited the 37 victims with various degrees of injuries at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia.

Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, was also on the spot to sympathise with the victims and also to console relatives of the deceased. He also promised to foot the hospital bills of those who sustained injuries.

An official of Nasarawa Fire Service, who also is an eyewitness, confirmed that the incident was brought under control with about 37 persons injured and two feared dead.

The eye witness stated that the fuel station caught fire as workers offloaded gas at the plant, leading to the burning of shops and houses.

The fire, which swiftly spread to the other side of the road, was said to have also caught passers-by, as they scrambled for safety.

According to the official of the fire service, “It is true that there was a gas accident in Lafia, but our men are there trying to put out the fire. It is under control”.

According to another witness, who shared the incident on Twitter, the fire service was responsive in battling the fire, as well as rescuing victims of the explosion.

“The fire service is’ using their bus to rescue victims and take them to hospitals. Motorcycle riders also assisted in the emergency work by using their motorcycle to carry victims to hospital.”