Explosion rocks Katsina, many wounded, vehicles damaged

Several persons have been wounded, seven vehicles damaged and two houses destroyed, after a truck conveying gas cylinders exploded in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Although no lives were lost during the incident, a source from the area, told our correspondent today on telephone that the cause of the explosion is still unknown, reports Channels TV.

The source said that the truck was coming from the neighbouring Niger Republic to deliver the cylinders to the Magamar Jibia Area.

The spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command Abubakar Sadiq also confirmed the incident in a statement.

Sadiq explained that the incident happened at about 08:45 am when a loud noise was heard by police operatives attached to the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters.

He said the DPO in charge of the Jibia Local Government Area promptly led operatives, in collaboration with the military, to the scene.

According to him, upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at the Tamal filling station along the Kagadama – Magamar Jibia Road.

He said the joint team swiftly deployed preventive measures and successfully quenched the fire to protect lives and minimize property damage.

“Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no lives were lost,” the police spokesman added.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Police Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.

“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation proceeds.”