A gas explosion has destroyed a residential building housing three-bedroom flats in Temidere community, Reke, within Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, prompting an emergency response from the Kwara State Fire Service.
In a statement released by the agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, firefighters received a distress call at about 4:27 p.m. and immediately mobilised to the scene.
What Happened
According to the fire service, the explosion was triggered by a gas leak, which led to a sudden blast and subsequent fire outbreak that affected the entire residential structure.
“All the three-bedroom flats within the building were impacted by the fire following a sudden gas explosion,” the statement said.
Emergency Response
Firefighters were able to contain the fire swiftly, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring buildings and causing further damage within the community.
Officials confirmed that the prompt response played a critical role in limiting the scale of destruction.
Safety Advisory Issued
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service used the incident to renew warnings on the safe handling of cooking gas, urging residents to prioritise routine checks on gas cylinders and accessories.
He advised residents to:
- Regularly inspect gas hoses, regulators, and cylinders
- Ensure proper ventilation when using gas
- Avoid expired or substandard gas equipment
- Shut off gas supply immediately if leakage is suspected
He stressed that strict adherence to gas safety practices remains essential to preventing explosions and loss of property.
Recurring Safety Concern
Gas-related explosions continue to pose a serious safety concern in several parts of Nigeria, often linked to poor maintenance, improper usage, and faulty gas equipment.
The Kwara State Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of continued rapid response to emergency situations across the state.
