Canadian Embassy fire claims 2 lives in Abuja – FEMA

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has confirmed the death of two persons in the diesel tank explosion that rocked the generator house at the Canadian Embassy in Abuja.
FEMA however disclosed that
two other persons who sustained severe burns hospitalized at the National Hospital Trauma Centre
A statement from Head, Public Affairs unit of FEMA, Nkechi Isa, who explained that the fire incident happened at about 10:45am, on Monday, said the victims were Nigerians
“Reports say the two MIKANO generator engines were being serviced by a five-man team from JMD company.
“One of the power generating set was said to be working, while the other one was being serviced.
The fire occured when the tank of diesel in the generator house , containing 2000 liters exploded.
“Two of the personnel servicing the generator were fatally injured and two persons survived and are on admission at the National hospital Trauma Centre with severe burns.
“The FCT Fire Service was able to contain the fire around 12.30 pm, ambulances from the Ministry of defense ship house , Abuja Federal Fire Service ambulance and FCT Emergency Management Agency FEMA were on hand at the scene of the incident.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Director General of FEMA, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Sabo called for caution in the handling of petroleum products, particularly with the onset of the dry season.
Sabo therefore appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of a disaster.