•Explosion Caused By Overheated Metal Refuse Bin – Police
RESIDENTS of Maitama, a highbrow area in Abuja, have raised alarm over what they described as an explosion in the area.
In a series of tweets via X on Wednesday, some residents said the sound emanated from a nearby dump site.
According to an X user, A Y Rafindadi, two men sustained various degrees of injuries.
He said: “A truck came to pick up BPE trash, and whilst they were in the process of emptying the second trash can, an explosion occurred, I was merely 4 mts away from the explosion (on that pavement) when it happened. 2 men where injured rushed to the hospital. & my windscreen was shattered.”
Another X user, King Ray, said: “The explosion is actually from a burning dump site. Probably there are empty gas cylinders in the refuse which might have triggered the explosion but definitely not a bomb.”
Similarly, Serah Ibrahim said the explosion might have been due to a possible gas leakage.
“An explosion occurred today at Maitama, Abuja injuring many. The explosion was said to have happened close to a refuse dump site. It is suspected to be from a possible gas leakage.”
However, Abiodun Sanusi dismissed claims of an explosion in Maitama. “There was a bang in a street in Maitama, and a sudden loud, sharp noise was caused by an eruption from a metallic waste bin that has been heated by the sun (solar radiation). Police EOD were deployed, and no problem.”
Explosion Caused By Overheated Metal Refuse Bin – Police
Meanwhile, the police authorities have said the explosion was caused by an overheated metal refuse bin.
In a statement, the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the situation and preliminary findings indicate that an overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat. As a result, the refuse container exploded, thereby causing injury to two of the refuse evacuators, who are currently receiving medical attention in Maitama General Hospital, she said.
“The FCT Police Command hereby wishes to update the public on an alleged explosion on 24/01/2024 at about 1145 hrs, near a refuse dump outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja.
“A rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were deployed to assess the situation and preliminary findings indicate that an overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat, exploded, thereby causing injury to two of the refuse evacuators, who are currently receiving medical attention in Maitama General Hospital.
“The FCT Police Command urges members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from using metal refuse bins. Instead, we recommend the use of plastic or rubber containers for waste disposal, as they pose a reduced risk of incidents related to overheated metal refuse containers.”
Additional report courtesy of politicsnigeria.com
Eighteen-Eleven Media