A fire outbreak at the Canadian high commission in Abuja, Nigeria, claimed the lives of two generator repairmen. The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed this tragic event, which unfolded on Monday.
FEMA spokesperson, Nkechi Isa, disclosed that the fire was a result of a diesel tank explosion within the commission’s premises. The initial cause of the fire had been shrouded in uncertainty, but there were reports indicating an explosion at the commission’s power-generating plant.
According to Isa, the catastrophic incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. in the commission’s generator house while a five-man team from JMD company was servicing two MIKANO generators. One of the generators was operational, while the other was undergoing maintenance when a diesel tank, holding 2,000 liters of fuel, suddenly exploded.
Tragically, two of the repairmen servicing the generators lost their lives in the explosion, while two others sustained severe burns and were promptly transported to the Trauma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja.
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FEMA, in collaboration with the FCT fire service, managed to contain the fire by approximately 12:30 p.m. during their response to the incident. Ambulances from the ministry of defense, federal fire service, and FEMA were on standby, ensuring the injured received immediate medical attention.
In the wake of this devastating event, Mohammed Sabo, the acting FEMA director-general, emphasized the importance of handling petroleum products with extreme caution, particularly as the dry season commences. He urged residents to utilize the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of any disaster or emergency, further emphasizing the need for preparedness and swift response.
Notably, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the Canadian government and extended offers of aid to any staff members affected by this tragic fire incident.
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