JUST IN: Fire Guts Canadian High Commission Building In Abuja
A section of the Canadian High Commission in Abuja was on Monday razed by fire.
The High Commission is located on Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District of the Federal Capital, and houses the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, and other diplomatic staff.
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A statement signed by Nkechi Isa, Head, Public Affairs for the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Agency, FEMA two people were fatally injured, while two others were hospitalized at the National hospital trauma centre.
The statement noted that the victims of the fire incident that started at about 10:45 a.m. were Nigerians.
“The Canadian Embassy Abuja Fire: 2 Fatally Injured,2 Hospitalized. A diesel tank explosion in the generator house at the Canadian Embassy in the Federal Capital Territory has left two persons dead and two hospitalized at the National Hospital Trauma Centre with severe burns.
“The incident happened at about 10:45 a.m. today. Reports say the two MIKANO engines were being serviced by a five-man team from JMD company. One of the power-generating sets was said to be working, while the other one was being serviced.
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“The fire occurred when the tank of diesel in the generator house, containing 2000 liters exploded. Two of the personnel servicing the generator were fatally injured and two persons survived and are on admission at the National hospital trauma centre with severe burns,” the statement read.
Isa also noted that “the FCT Fire Service was able to contain the fire around 12.30 p.m. The victims were Nigerians.
“Ambulances from the Ministry of Defense ship house, Abuja, Federal Fire Service ambulance, and FCT Emergency Management Agency FEMA were on hand at the scene of the incident.”
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Director General of FEMA, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Sabo called for caution in the handling of petroleum products, particularly with the onset of the dry season.
Sabo appealed to residents to always use the 112-emergency toll-free number in the event of a disaster.
