Five injured as ‘driver fleeing arrest causes gas explosion’ in Jigawa

Five people have been injured in a gas explosion in Babura LGA of Jigawa state.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa confirmed the incident on Tuesday.

Adamu Shehu, spokesman of Jigawa NSCDC, said the explosion also damaged 17 shops and five houses.

Shehu said the incident occurred on Monday at about 9pm after security operatives, who were on a stop-and-search mission in the area, flagged down a truck conveying 25 gas cylinders.

He alleged that the driver of the truck refused to stop and was pursued by the security operatives.

He said one of the cylinders fell off the truck and caught fire immediately.

The spokesman added that the vehicle was coming from Tinkim town in Magarya LGA of Niger Republic and was heading towards Hadejia LGA of Jigawa.

He said the victims are currently receiving treatment at Babura General Hospital.

Lawan Shiisu, police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, also confirmed the incident.

Shiisu said the vehicle was transporting the gas cylinders from the Niger Republic.