A gas explosion on Sunday triggered a fire outbreak that gutted a building comprising three-bedroom flats in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred at about 4:27 p.m. at Temidere Community, Reke, in Asa Local Government Area, throwing residents into panic as flames engulfed the affected building.
Confirming the development, the spokesman of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said the inferno involved a block of three-bedroom flats, all of which were impacted following a sudden gas explosion.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that gas leakage caused the explosion, which subsequently led to the fire outbreak.
Adekunle added that firefighters were swiftly deployed to the scene, where they engaged the blaze and carried out containment operations to prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings within the community.
Speaking on the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, cautioned residents to exercise utmost care in the handling and use of gas.
He stressed the need for regular inspection of gas cylinders, hoses and regulators, advising users to ensure proper ventilation, avoid the use of faulty or expired gas equipment, and immediately shut off gas supply whenever leakage is suspected.
The director emphasised that strict adherence to basic gas safety practices remains critical to preventing explosions and avoiding loss of lives and property.