Three people were killed and 77 others injured overnight when an explosion rocked more than 20 buildings in one of Nigeria’s biggest cities, authorities said today, as rescue workers dug through the rubble to find those feared trapped.
Residents in the densely populated southwestern city of Ibadan in Oyo heard a loud explosion at about 7:45pm on Tuesday, causing panic as many fled their homes.
By Wednesday morning, security forces cordoned off the area while medical and ambulance personnel stood by as rescue efforts intensified.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the blast was caused by explosives stored for use in illegal mining operations, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde told reporters after visiting the site in Bodija area of Ibadan.
“We have mobilized first responders and all relevant agencies in Oyo state to conduct a comprehensive search and rescue operation,” Makinde said, describing the damage as “devastating.”
Rescue workers combing the collapsed structure found additional bodies on Wednesday morning, raising the death toll to three, Saheed Akiode, the regional coordinator of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency, told The Associated Press.
At least two people were killed and dozens injured when explosives stored at a private residence detonated in Nigeria. EMMANUEL ADEFOLARIN AGBOYE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock At least 77 people were treated for injuries after the explosion. Reuters
It is unclear who kept the explosives, and no arrests have been announced. “Investigations are ongoing (and) all those found guilty of this matter will be brought to justice,” Governor Makinde said.
Most of the 77 injured have already been allowed home, the governor said, pledging to cover the medical bills of others still admitted and provide temporary accommodation for those whose homes were affected.
Dozens of residents flocked to the area where some of the injured were being treated by ambulance. Surrounding the area were buildings covered in dust and either completely or partially destroyed by the explosion, which left a large crater.
Several homes had roofs blown off and windows broken and owners watched from afar as officials searched for survivors. AFP via Getty Images
Illegal mining in mineral-rich Nigeria is common and has become a major concern of the authorities. However, it is mostly done in remote areas where arrests are difficult and where safety procedures are rarely followed.
The use of explosives such as dynamite by miners near residential areas is also common and poses a health hazard to residents, according to Anthony Adejuwon, who heads Urban Alert, a group that advocates for accountability in the mining industry.
Adejuwon said explosives should be kept away from people’s residences, but “the use of these explosives is unregulated and because they are unregulated, anyone with easy access can store them anywhere.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
