A tragic gas cylinder explosion at a vulcanizer’s shop in Kpakungun, a suburb of Minna, Niger State, claimed the life of an apprentice, Zakari Aliyu, and left two others injured on Christmas Day.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred when the shop owner, Mohammed Usman Baba, used a gas cylinder for a customer and then set it aside to be charged. The cylinder reportedly grew hot, prompting Zakari to fetch water to cool it down, a common practice in such situations.
“As Zakari poured water on the cylinder, it exploded, scattering his body. The boss and his son also sustained injuries in the blast,” said Faisal Avuya, an eyewitness.
The shop owner, Mohammed Usman Baba, and his son, Umar Mohammed, were injured in the explosion. Umar, who suffered severe abdominal injuries, is expected to undergo surgery.
The tragic incident has left the community in shock, with residents calling for increased safety measures in handling gas cylinders to prevent similar occurrences.
