At least four die as Kaduna govt condoles families of gas explosion

The Kaduna State Government has condoled the families of those who lost their lives following a gas explosion that occurred at about 2pm on Saturday in Kaduna.
At least four persons, including a professor with the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission were feared dead in the explosion. Many were injured, while the reverberating effect of the explosion shattered glass windows.
In a statement, Mr.Samuel Aruwan, the  state Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs said,“Our thoughts are with them in this sad moment,” the statement said.
The incident occurred in a business premises located along Kachia Road, Sabon Tasha, in Chikun local government area.
“The State Government also sympathized with the citizens that sustained injuries in the explosion,” it added.
The Kaduna government commended the emergency services, including fire fighters of both Kaduna State and the Federal Fire Service and the Red Cross for their prompt response.
The government also expressed gratitude to all security agencies that participated in the search and rescue exercise during the incident.
Earlier in the day, the gas explosion killed, injured and burnt down shops in the immediate vicinity of the explosion.
NAN reports that some residents seen crying at the scene said  the explosion occurred at the gas refill centre trapping many people in the inferno.
Many shops, mostly salons, plumbing materials, boutique and others  were affected.
An eye witness, Francis Yusuf, said he just left the barbing salon when the explosion occurred.
“I was leaving the saloon and left three persons waiting for their turn to cut their hair when a few seconds after I heard the blast behind me.”
Another eye witness, Mohammed Baba who said he was driving his tanker when he saw the explosion that started from the gas shop and had to reverse back.
“I just loaded product from NNPC when I saw a blast in front of me as some persons where passing in front of the shop when the explosion happened.”
Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the number of persons affected cannot be ascertained now until investigations have been carried out.
“As you can see search and rescue is in progress but we have had case of injured persons that have been rushed to the hospital for medical attention.”
He assured that the state government would stop the operation of gas sales in residential areas.
Mr Paul Aboi, Director, Kaduna State Fire Service, said that the gas explosuon took place in a compact place were there were shops operating.
He said the situation was put under control by men of the fire service in combined efforts of  the Police, Civil Defence, Red Cross and the Federal Road Safety  Corps.
Aboi said those who sustaind severe injuries as a result of the blast have been rushed to the hospital for intensive care.
He said several cars were affected while several building glasses where shattered.
Additional reports by NAN