Three burnt to death in Ogun gas explosion

Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta

No fewer than three persons, including an infant were said to have been burnt to death in a fire accident in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

It was learnt that the incident occurred at Oke-Egunya, along NTA road, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Eye witness account has it that the fire started as a result of gas explosion.

It was learnt that a technician had visited a house in the area to service a faulty refrigerator.

“In the process of topping up gas into the refrigerator, there was an attraction of fire from someone cooking and there came an explosion,” an eye witness explained.

The Director of Fire Service, Ogun State, Engr Fatai Adefala, who confirmed the incident to journalists said his men, after receiving the distress call, raced to the scene to put out the fire.

However, three people were burnt to death as they could not escape from the exlplosion, it was gathered.

“We received a distress call at 3:15pm at Oke-Igbore. We learnt it was a spark of fire. On getting there, we discovered it was a gas explosion.

“What really happened was that they were cooking outside with fire and unfortunately the gas exploded. They were trying to top the gas in the fridge, in the process, it exploded.

“Three lives were lost, one infant was among them. For now, the bodies are still lying there. You know it was those who are living in that house that were affected. It was an ancient building.

“Our men are still at the incident including other agencies, the Police, DSS and others,” Adefala explained.