A tragic explosion struck a suspected illegal refinery in Kano on Monday, resulting in a fatal blast that claimed the life of one individual and left a trail of destruction.
The incident unfolded at the Katango General area of Wailari, along the Western Bypass opposite Maryam Shekarau Estate in Kano, around 09:50 am, engulfing the surroundings in flames.
Efforts to contain the raging fire required the joint intervention of the Kano State Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and firefighting units from Salbas Petrol Station.
The intense battle against the inferno took over three hours before it was successfully brought under control.
Ahmad Umar Gaya, an eyewitness and Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) personnel, described being on duty along the road when a loud explosion echoed, followed by fireballs in the vicinity. Gaya promptly alerted the Kano Fire Service, guiding them to the location.
Gaya stated, “I immediately alerted the Kano Fire Service and guided them to the location.
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“The trailer carrying drums of used engine oil was engulfed in flames, trapping and tragically incinerating the driver beyond recognition.”
Tragically, the trailer carrying drums of used engine oil was engulfed in flames, leading to the unfortunate and incineration of the driver, who remains unrecognizable.
Amidst the chaos, humanitarian efforts managed to rescue an older woman unable to walk and two children left behind by their panicked mother.
Regrettably, emergency workers recovered a deceased individual, identified as Aminu, from the debris of the illegal refinery.