Gas explosion kills one, injures two others in Damaturu

A welding gas explosion in Damaturu on Wednesday killed one person and caused panic, making people to scamper for safety.

Lt. George Okupe, the Army spokesman in the state, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and urged residents to remain calm.

“It was an accidental explosion from a welding tank when a welder was working on a pipe for a soldier.

“The welder died instantly while the soldier and one other civilian sustained injuries and are responding to treatment at the Specialists Hospital Damaturu,’’ Okupe said.

The Army spokesman said the situation had been brought under control and that investigation was ongoing to unravel the remote cause of the explosion.

He however dismissed insinuations that the incident was linked to a planned Boko Haram attack on the state capital.

He urged the people not to panic but to go about their normal businesses as security agencies in the state were capable of protecting their lives and property.

Okupe solicited the support and cooperation of the people, saying “the fight against insurgency is still on and requires collective responsibility’’.

NAN reports that the explosion had initially raised tension in Damaturu but that normalcy has since returned as people were seen going about their normal activities.