Five persons were confirmed dead while 10 others sustained injuries following an explosion that occurred at a metal scrap company located along the Eastern Bypass in Kano in the early hours of Saturday.
The tragedy at the ill-fated firm was reportedly caused by a truck conveying scraps to the premises.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Bakori, confirmed the incident in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Kano.
He said the truck involved in the explosion originated from Yobe, but added that further details about the vehicle were still unclear as investigation was ongoing.
Bakori said the injured victims were rushed to a medical facility where five of them were confirmed dead, while 10 others were currently receiving treatment.
He said it was yet to be ascertained if any security personnel was among the casualties, stating that further investigation would reveal more details.
“The police are working to identify the cause of the explosion and determine the extent of the damage. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available,” he said.
The commissioner assured the public that the command would conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
He called on the residents to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies in their efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Explosion: Kano CP visits scene, orders investigation
Kano State Police Command has confirmed an explosion at Yongxing Steel Company, located along Ring Road in Mariri Quarters, Kano.
The incident was reported by the company’s Marketing Manager, Mr Ibrahim Udazu, who said the explosion occurred within the factory premises and caused multiple injuries.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ibrahim Bakori, led a team of first responders, including operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Team, to the scene.
“Police secured and cordoned off the area to prevent further harm. The EOD unit recovered five suspected explosive devices from the scene without incident.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion occurred during the offloading of scrap materials from a truck that arrived from Damaturu in Yobe.
“Fifteen persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
“Five of the victims later died, while others are currently receiving treatment,” the command said.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation into the incident.
He also urged the residents to remain calm and vigilant and to cooperate with the police to help determine the cause of the explosion.
The command urged members of the public to report suspicious activity or provide relevant information to the police through the following emergency numbers:0803 241 9754, 0812 382 1575). 0902 929 2926.