Gas Explosion Razes LPG Outlet In Jigawa, Destroys Property Worth Millions

A gas explosion destroyed an LPG outlet in Jigawa, triggering panic, repeated cylinder blasts, and property losses worth millions of naira.

Panic gripped residents of Hadejia town in Hadejia local government in Jigawa State on Saturday evening after a massive fire triggered by a gas explosion razed a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retail outlet on Katagum Road, destroying property estimated to be worth millions of naira.

The incident occurred when a gas delivery truck arrived at the outlet to offload fresh supplies, but routine activities suddenly turned tragic after an open flame from the preparation of awara (bean cake) reportedly ignited escaping gas, resulting in a powerful explosion.

Eyewitnesses said the blast was followed by a raging inferno that engulfed the gas shop within minutes, sending terrified residents fleeing for safety as gas cylinders exploded repeatedly.

“We heard sounds like bomb blasts as the cylinders exploded one after another. Thick smoke covered the entire area and everyone ran for their lives,” one eyewitness recounted.

The explosions attracted hundreds of residents to the scene, while some struggled to salvage goods from neighbouring shops before the fire could spread further.

Security personnel and officials of the Fire Service responded swiftly, cordoning off the area and battling the flames to prevent the inferno from consuming adjoining buildings.

Although the affected LPG outlet was completely destroyed alongside a large quantity of gas cylinders and other merchandise, no lives were lost in the incident.

Residents attributed the absence of casualties to the prompt evacuation of the area immediately after the first explosion.

Preliminary assessments indicated that more than 10 gas cylinders ruptured during the fire, while the exact value of the damaged property had yet to be officially determined. However, eyewitnesses estimated the losses to run into millions of naira.

The incident has renewed concerns over safety standards at gas retail outlets, with residents calling on the government and regulatory authorities to enforce stricter operational guidelines and prohibit activities involving naked flames near LPG facilities to avert future disasters.

No official comment from the state fire service as at the time of filling the story.