A devastating explosion rocked a suspected illegal refinery in Kano on Monday, resulting in a fatal blast that claimed one life and left destruction in its wake, incinerating five houses in the process.
The incident occurred at the Katango General area of Wailari, along the Western Bypass opposite Maryam Shekarau Estate in Kano, and commenced around 09:50 am, engulfing the vicinity in flames.
Efforts to contain the raging fire demanded the collective intervention of the Kano State Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and firefighting units from Salbas Petrol Station, extending over three hours to bring the inferno under control.
Ahmad Umar Gaya, an eyewitness and Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) personnel, recounted being on duty along the road when the loud explosion reverberated, followed by a display of fireballs in the vicinity.
“I immediately alerted the Kano Fire Service and guided them to the location.
“The trailer carrying drums of used engine oil was engulfed in flames, trapping and tragically incinerating the driver beyond recognition,” Gaya recounted.
The intensity of the blaze posed a significant threat to nearby residential structures, destroying approximately five houses.
Miraculously, amidst the chaos, humanitarian efforts enabled the rescue of an older woman unable to walk, as well as two children left behind by their panicked mother.
Tragically, emergency workers recovered a deceased individual, identified as Aminu, from the debris of the illegal refinery, marking a grim loss amidst the chaos caused by the explosion.
