Many Fear Death, Injured As kerosene Tank Explodes at Abuja Market

A bomb blast at a market in Kubwa village on the outskirts of Abuja has killed at least five people and injured dozens of others.
The explosion is believed to have been caused by contaminated kerosene.

The incident sparked panic as traders and shoppers rushed to the spot just as an explosion from a kerosene tank landed on the roof of a shoe and bag shop which was also damaged.
Our correspondent found out that the incident happened around 7pm when the traders were trying to close the day.

The blast suddenly engulfed two shops while several street vendors were also affected.
Although the fire was extinguished, items believed to be wood and food items continued to deteriorate during the site visit.
The area is also filled with vegetables, tomatoes, peppers and other crops.

Officials with the Federal Road Safety Commission confirmed that five people had died and several others were injured, adding that the injured had been taken to Kubwa General Hospital.
Police blocked the entrance to the blast site and prevented anyone from gathering.

“I was passing by when I heard an explosion,” said a motorcyclist who witnessed the incident. I saw a huge fire from the kerosene tank. The tank was on the ground but the explosion lifted it from the ground and landed on the roof of a shoe and bag store. I know a woman who sells kerosene; I hope she did not die in the explosion. ”

An eyewitness who did not want to be named said he saw a baby in a stream after the explosion, adding that he could not confirm whether he survived the fire. After the explosion, while everyone was running in panic, I saw a baby in a stream. The baby was later removed and taken away but I can’t confirm whether he is alive or dead because there was smoke everywhere, ”he said.

Florence Wenegieme, acting director of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency, said gunmen prevented firefighters from carrying out their work. She said that the incident happened not long ago.
She also added that “I can’t tell you why but I can tell you that three people died but we still haven’t pulled out the bodies because the villains have invaded the place, they also haven’t let our husbands do their job. They parked and waited for the police to arrive. “