Oyo State Emergency Services Respond to Devastating Blast
A tragic gas explosion on Friday night has left residents of Bioku-Alaadun in Ibadan, Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, in shock, with several casualties feared. The incident reportedly occurred while a tanker was discharging gas into a retail outlet, sparking a powerful blast that devastated the immediate vicinity.
Eyewitnesses say the explosion claimed the lives of the gas shop owner and several bystanders who were nearby at the time. The sheer force of the blast reportedly caused extensive damage to the shop and surrounding structures, heightening fears about the extent of casualties.
The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident during a telephone interview with PUNCH Online. He stated that fire service operatives had been dispatched immediately to the scene to contain the situation and prevent further damage.
“Our men are on the ground working tirelessly. The explosion occurred while gas was being discharged. There are casualties, but full details are still being compiled,” Akinyinka said, noting that the situation was under active assessment.
Local residents expressed deep concern about the safety of gas handling and storage in the area, calling on authorities to ensure stricter safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future. The explosion has reignited debates over public safety measures, especially in densely populated commercial areas where flammable substances are stored and sold.
Emergency response teams from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency and other relevant agencies are coordinating rescue and relief efforts. They are working to account for all affected individuals and provide necessary support to the injured. Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to the public to maintain a safe distance from the site to facilitate rescue operations.
The incident has once again highlighted the critical need for enforced safety protocols in the handling and distribution of combustible gases in Nigeria. As investigations continue, residents of Ibadan are urged to remain vigilant and report unsafe practices to prevent future tragedies.
Authorities are expected to release a more comprehensive casualty report as the rescue and assessment operations proceed. Meanwhile, the community is mourning the victims and praying for the safe recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident.
