Panic as Gas Explosion Razes LPG Shop, Property Worth Millions Lost

Panic as Gas Explosion Razes LPG Shop, Property Worth Millions Lost
The explosions attracted scores of residents, while some attempted to remove goods from nearby shops before the fire could spread
The incident has renewed concerns over safety practices at gas retail outlets

Residents of Hadejia town in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State were thrown into panic on Saturday evening after a gas explosion sparked a fire that destroyed a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retail outlet on Katagum Road.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the explosion reportedly occurred when a gas delivery truck arrived to replenish supplies at the outlet. Eyewitnesses said an open flame from a nearby awara (bean cake) frying point ignited leaking gas during the offloading process, triggering a powerful explosion.

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The blast was followed by a raging fire that quickly engulfed the gas shop, with repeated explosions from gas cylinders forcing residents to flee the area.

“We heard sounds like bomb blasts as the cylinders exploded one after another. Thick smoke covered the entire area and everyone ran for their lives,” an eyewitness said.

The explosions attracted scores of residents, while some attempted to remove goods from nearby shops before the fire could spread.

Officials of the Fire Service, supported by security personnel, responded promptly by cordoning off the area and containing the blaze to prevent it from reaching neighbouring buildings.

Although the LPG outlet was completely destroyed along with several gas cylinders and other merchandise, no casualties were recorded.

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Residents credited the absence of fatalities to the swift evacuation of people immediately after the initial explosion.

Preliminary findings indicated that more than 10 gas cylinders exploded during the incident, while the total value of the destroyed property had yet to be officially determined. However, eyewitnesses estimated the losses to be worth millions of naira.

The incident has renewed concerns over safety practices at gas retail outlets, with residents urging authorities to enforce stricter safety regulations and prohibit activities involving naked flames near LPG facilities.

As of the time of filing this report, the Jigawa State Fire Service had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.