Three dead, 10 injured in gas explosion in Edo state

THree persons have been confirmed dead after a five-kilogramme gas cylinder exploded at a residential building.

The incident occurred at 32, Osazuwa Street, off Benin-Agbor Expressway in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

Among the deceased were two siblings, Favour Godwin, 11 and Odion Godwin, two.

Four families were affected by the explosion, which occurred on Sunday morning.

It was learnt that a family knew fire had engulfed the building when it opened its door.

One of the victims, Ese Egharevba, whose husband and two children were affected, said she was outside when she heard the explosion.

She said they found the cylinder and took it outside, while her husband warned neighbours not to strike any match or put on stove.

Ese said unknown to them, a family was cooking inside and when one of their children attempted to open the door, fire engulfed the building.

A teacher, Christian Unuame, said the owner of the cylinder does not live in the building.

According to him, the cylinder exploded about 7am. We took it outside and warned everybody not to put on fire. I went to the bathroom to take my bath and a few minutes later fire erupted.

“Nobody in the house uses gas to cook. It was somebody that kept the cylinder in my neighbour’s room. I’ve just finished my national service. I am teaching.”

Another victim, who simply identified himself as Bello, could only utter a few words.

The victims were admitted at Enoma Hospital.

The mother of the siblings and her eldest daughter were reportedly referred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.