Gas Explosion Injures Many In Katsina Community

• Police confirm six vehicles, several houses damaged

Tragedy struck the Magama community in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State on Friday as a truck conveying gas cylinders exploded, leaving scores of people injured.

Reports indicated that in the process, many vehicles were damaged and houses destroyed as the community residents count their losses.

According to eyewitness accounts, the explosion took place at a popular filling station ‘Walidan,’ where products suspected to be smuggled into the country from Niger Republic were being preserved.

“Approximately, the explosion occured around 8:45 am at the Tamal filling station along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road and it involved a truck transporting gas cylinders, which reportedly exploded while en route from Niger Republic to Magamar Jibia”, a competent source hinted.

It was further gathered from insiders that some close associates of the petrol station owner had repeatedly cautioned him to refrain from patronising the risk business.

While confirming the incident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu said; “Today, November 15th, 2024, at about 0845hrs, a loud explosion was heard by police operatives attached to Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters.

“Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led operatives, in collaboration with the military, to the scene.

“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station along Kagadama – Magamar Jibia road, Jibia LGA.

“The joint team swiftly deployed preventive measures to protect lives and minimize property damage, successfully quenching the fire.”

ASP Aliyu disclosed that fortunately no lives were lost but six vehicles were significantly affected by the fire.

Also commenting on the unfortunate incident, a member of the Magama community, who gave his name, Aliyu Muhammad, said; “The tragedy happened when a truck loaded with gas cylinders was parked at the filling station for days.

“Seven vehicles were burnt, two houses, including the building which housed the filling station and one other house were damaged.

Muhammad further said that many people were serious injured in the explosion.

Meanwhile, the Katsina Police Command Spokesperson said; “The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Police Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.

“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation proceeds”.