A tragic gas cylinder explosion at a vulcaniser’s shop in Minna, Niger State, has claimed the life of an apprentice and left three others injured.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, in the Kpakungu area of Minna. The explosion reportedly happened while the vulcaniser, identified as Mohammed, was working on heavy-duty vehicle tyres in his shop.
The blast killed one of his apprentices, identified as Haji, on the spot. Mohammed, his son, and another apprentice sustained severe injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to eyewitness accounts, the explosion, which occurred around 1 p.m., destroyed the shop and damaged the fence of a neighboring house.
A resident, Usman Mohammed, described the loud sound of the explosion as causing panic in the area. The deceased apprentice has since been buried at the Kpakungu cemetery.
Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a statement: “On December 25, 2024, at about 1:30 p.m., it was reported at Kpakungu Division that a gas pump cylinder belonging to a vulcaniser opposite Kpakungu Division exploded.
“Unfortunately, the vulcaniser and his two apprentices sustained serious injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, but one of the apprentices later succumbed to his injuries. The others are responding to treatment.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with improper handling of gas cylinders, highlighting the need for strict safety measures in such operations.
