Gas cylinder explosion k!lls one, injures 3 in Niger state

A gas pump cylinder used by a vulcaniser exploded, k!lling one of his apprentices in Minna, Niger State.

The incident occurred at Kpakungu area of Minna on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

The explosion also reportedly injured the vulcaniser, identified as Mohammed, his son and one other apprentice.

The apprentice, Haji was said to have d!ed at the scene of the explosion while the vulcaniser and two other victims were severely injured.

According to Daily Trust, the incident happened around 1pm when the vulcaniser, who specialised in heavy duty vehicle tyres, was working in his shop.

The explosion reportedly shattered the shop where the cylinder was kept and the fence of a nearby house.

A resident of the area, Usman Mohammed, told the publication that a heavy sound from the explosion created panic, adding that the deceased apprentice had been buried at Kpakungu cemetery.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident.

“On 25th December, 2024 at about 1.30pm, it was reported at Kpakungu Divison that a gas pump cylinder of a vulcaniser located opposite Kpakungu Div exploded, and unfortunately the vulcaniser and his two apprentices sustained serious injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment but one of the apprentices later d!ed. Others are responding to treatment,” the PPRO said.