The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially confirmed that a diesel tank explosion was the root cause of the tragic fire incident at the Canadian Embassy in Abuja on Monday.
Quicktell News reported earlier that fire engulfs canadian high commission in abuja after generator explosion situated at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District in Abuja.
According to Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs at FEMA, the diesel tank explosion occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. within the generator house of the High Commission. This incident transpired while a five-person team was servicing two MIKANO generators.
FCT Fire Service was swiftly on the scene and managed to contain the fire by around 12:30 p.m. Additionally, ambulances from the Ministry of Defence, Federal Fire Service, and FEMA were readily available to provide assistance.
Tragically, the inferno claimed the lives of two individuals, and two others sustained severe injuries. These injured individuals are currently receiving medical attention at the Trauma Centre in the National Hospital, Abuja.
Nkechi Isa stated, “One of the generators was said to be operational, 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 lost their lives due to the explosion, while the two survivors are being treated for severe burns at the Trauma Centre in the National Hospital, Abuja.”
In response to these developments, Mohammed Sabo, the acting Director-General of FEMA, emphasized the importance of caution when handling petroleum products, particularly with the onset of the dry season. He appealed to residents to use the emergency toll-free number, 112, in case of any disaster or emergency situation.
This confirmation sheds light on the cause of the fire incident at the Canadian Embassy in Abuja, underscoring the need for strict safety measures when dealing with flammable substances.
