the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, became the site of a devastating fire that resulted in the loss of two lives and left two others with severe burns. The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially confirmed that a diesel tank explosion was the root cause of this destructive fire.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. in the generator house of the Canadian High Commission. At that time, a team of five technicians from the JMD company was actively servicing two MIKANO generators on the premises. One of these generators was operational, while the other was undergoing maintenance.
The calamity struck when a diesel tank, housing 2,000 litres of fuel, suddenly exploded within the generator house. The sheer force of the explosion led to the immediate loss of two of the technicians servicing the generators. Tragically, they could not escape the fiery aftermath of the blast. Simultaneously, the explosion left two other technicians with severe burns. Quick thinking and emergency response efforts played a crucial role in their survival, as they were rushed to the Trauma Centre at the National Hospital in Abuja for immediate medical attention.
Emergency Response and Containment Efforts at the Canadian High Commission
Following the explosion, the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service swiftly sprang into action to combat the raging fire. Their endeavors bore fruit, as they effectively managed to control the fire by approximately 12:30 p.m. Additionally, several emergency response units were on standby to guarantee that those impacted received prompt medical care. Ambulances from the Ministry of Defence, Federal Fire Service, and FEMA were present at the scene, showcasing the coordinated response of these agencies during times of crisis.
President Tinubu Extends Sympathies to Canadian High Commission Fire Victims
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his condolences to the Canadian government, diplomatic community, and all individuals impacted by a fire incident at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja that took place on Monday.
In an official statement released by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the President assured the Canadian authorities of the complete support of the Nigerian government in assisting both the diplomatic and local staff of the High Commission who were particularly affected by the incident.
President Tinubu offered prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives and extended his well-wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to all those injured in the incident.
;A Plea for Caution and Preparedness
In response to this regrettable incident, the acting Director-General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mr. Mohammed Sabo, has earnestly called for increased vigilance when handling petroleum products, especially during the dry season. This unfortunate event at the Canadian High Commission serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with such substances.
Mr. Sabo has urged residents to be proactive in their approach, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and a rapid, well-coordinated response in emergency situations. He encouraged individuals to take advantage of the emergency toll-free number, 112, as a crucial resource to promptly report any disasters or emergency incidents.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a poignant and somber reflection on the importance of safety measures and being prepared for unforeseen disasters. It highlights the necessity of being vigilant when dealing with dangerous materials. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. Authorities are actively investigating the diesel tank explosion to determine its exact cause and take measures to prevent such heart-wrenching tragedies from happening in the future.
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