The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has confirmed that a diesel tank explosion caused the fire that gutted a section of the Canadian High Commission situated at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District in Abuja on Monday, November 6, 2023.
The Head of Public Affairs of FEMA, Mrs. Nkechi Isa, who disclosed this in a statement, said two persons were killed and two others injured in the incident.
Isa added that the diesel tank exploded at 10:45 a.m. in the high commission’s generator house just as two MIKANO generators were being serviced by a five-man team from JMD Company.
She said: “One of the generators was said to be working, 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 died from the explosion while two others survived with severe burns and were taken to the Trauma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja.”
The FEMA director revealed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service was able to contain the fire around 12:30 p.m. while ambulances from the Ministry of Defence, Federal Fire Service, and FEMA were on standby.
On his part, the acting Director-General of FEMA, Mr. Mohammed Sabo, called for caution while handling petroleum products, particularly with the onset of the dry season.
Sabo appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of any disaster or emergency situation.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sympathized with the Canadian government, diplomatic community, and all persons affected by the fire incident.
In a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Tinubu assures the Canadian authorities of the full support of the Nigerian government in the aid of diplomatic and local staff of the High Commission who were particularly affected by the incident.
President Tinubu prays for the repose of the departed souls and wishes all injured persons a rapid and full recovery.
