In a heartbreaking incident on Church Street along Èbúté Road in Ibafo, Ogun State, Nigeria a gas explosion claimed the lives of Rafiat Sheriff, aged 40, and her seven-year-old daughter, Asisat, on Saturday evening around 8:30 pm.
According to reports gathered by PUNCH Online, the tragedy unfolded when Rafiat Sheriff instructed her daughter to light the gas cylinder for their evening meal. Sadly, during the process of igniting the cylinder, it erupted into flames, engulfing their home in a devastating fire.
A neighbor named Abiodun, who witnessed the incident, recounted to the police that the entire apartment quickly became engulfed in flames, leading to the tragic deaths of both mother and daughter.
Confirming the incident, Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command, expressed sorrow over the loss and disclosed that two other individuals are currently hospitalized, fighting for their lives as a result of the explosion.
The incident occurred last night when the mother instructed her seven-year-old daughter to cook. As the girl attempted to light the gas cylinder, a tragic explosion occurred, resulting in the loss of their lives. Two other individuals, including one of the deceased’s children, are currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital,” stated Odutola.
Despite efforts to respond promptly, the state fire service, according to police documents, did not arrive on the scene. However, Fatai Adefala, the state Director of Fire Service, denied knowledge of the incident and emphasized that no report had been received regarding a gas explosion in the area.
“I am unaware of any gas explosion. There was no such incident reported to our fire service team. We have fire trucks stationed in Ibafo and Isheri, as well as another at the Redeemed Christian Church of God,” clarified Adefala. “There has been no call to our staff regarding a gas explosion incident.”
This tragic event underscores the importance of safety measures when handling gas appliances, and it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such everyday tasks.
Punchng
