An explosion at a gas refilling shop near a student hostel in Ilorin, Kwara State, left seven students from Kwara State Polytechnic (Kwarapoly) and a gas attendant injured. The incident occurred at Destiny Villa, Dola Abinbola Street, Elekoyangan area in Ilorin East late on Saturday, Nov. 18.
According to Hakeem Adekunle, representing the state Fire Service, the explosion happened when a gas attendant was refilling a cylinder several meters above the ground. The cylinder fell, triggering an explosion and releasing gas from the charged hose, causing injuries to seven students and the gas attendant. Four rooms in a building with 17 self-contained units were engulfed in flames, resulting in the estimated loss of property worth N14.6 million, while property valued at N72.2 million was saved.
In response, the Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, dispatched a team to check on the affected students on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, emphasizing the importance of safety measures to prevent fire disasters and urging the public to prioritize safety.
