Two persons have been confirmed dead following a diesel explosion that gutted a section of the Canadian High Commission in Abuja on Monday.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nkechi Isa confirmed the incident to journalists.
According to FEMA, the diesel tank exploded around 10:45 a.m. in the generator house of the High Commission just as two MIKANO generators were being serviced by a five-man team from JMD company.
“One of the generators was said to be working, while the other one was being serviced when a tank containing 2,000 litres of diesel in the generator house exploded.
“Two of the personnel servicing the generator died from the explosion, while two others survived with severe burns and were taken to the Trauma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja,” The statement narrates.
The agency noted that the FCT Fire Service was able to contain the fire around 12.30 p.m. while ambulances from the Ministry of Defence, Federal Fire Service, FEMA were on standby.
Reacting to the development, the acting Director-General, FEMA, Mr Mohammed Sabo, called for caution while handling petroleum products, particularly with the onset of the dry season.
Sabo appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of any disaster or emergency situation.