Two injured as ‘waste bin explodes’ in Abuja

The police command in the federal capital territory (FCT) says two persons were injured after a metal waste bin exploded in the Maitama area of Abuja.

In a statement on Wednesday, Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, said the explosion was not bomb related but occurred as a result of an overheated metal refuse bin.

Adeh said the two persons who sustained injuries were the refuse evacuators and are receiving treatment at the Maitama General Hospital.

“The FCT police command hereby wishes to update the public on an alleged explosion on 24/01/2024 at about 1145 hrs, near a refuse dump outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja,” the statement reads.

“A rapid response team and members of the explosive ordnance disposal unit were deployed to assess the situation and preliminary findings indicate that an overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat, exploded, thereby causing injury to two of the refuse evacuator, who are currently receiving medical attention in Maitama general hospital.

“The FCT police command urges members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from using metal refuse bins.”

She urged members of the public to use plastic or rubber containers for refuse disposal, adding that they have less risk level of overheating.