Three people were killed and 77 others injured overnight when an explosion rocked more than 20 buildings in one of Nigeria’s largest cities, authorities said Wednesday, as rescue teams dug through the rubble in search of those found dead. I feared trapped.
Residents of the densely populated city of Ibadan, in the southwestern state of Oyo, heard a loud explosion at around 7:45 pm on Tuesday, causing panic and many fleeing their homes.
On Wednesday morning, security forces cordoned off the area while medical staff and ambulances were on standby as rescue efforts intensified.
Preliminary investigations showed that the explosion was caused by explosives stored for use in illegal mining operations, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde told reporters after visiting the site in Bodija area of Ibadan.
“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations,” Makinde said, describing the damage as “devastating”.
Rescue teams sifting through collapsed structures recovered an additional body Wednesday morning, bringing the death toll to three, Saheed Akiode, coordinator of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency in the region, told The Associated Press.
At least two people were killed and dozens injured when explosives stored at a private residence in Nigeria detonated. EMMANUEL ADEFOLARIN AGBOYE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock At least 77 people were treated for injuries after the explosion. REUTERS
It was not immediately clear who stored the explosives and no arrests have been announced. “Investigations are ongoing (and) all those found guilty of this will be brought to justice,” Governor Makinde said.
Most of the 77 injured had already been discharged, the governor said, promising to cover the medical bills of others still hospitalized and provide temporary housing to those whose homes were affected.
Dozens of residents flocked to the surrounding area, where some of the injured were being treated in ambulances. Around the area are buildings covered in dust and completely or partially destroyed as a result of the explosion, which left a huge crater.
Some homes had roofs blown off and windows shattered, and their owners watched from a distance as officials searched for survivors. AFP via Getty Images
Illegal mining in mineral-rich Nigeria is common and has been a major concern for authorities. However, it is mainly carried out in remote areas where arrests are difficult and where security procedures are rarely followed.
The use of explosives such as dynamite by miners near residential areas is also common and poses health risks to residents, according to Anthony Adejuwon, who heads the Urban Alert group that advocates for accountability in the mining industry.
Adejuwon said explosive materials should be kept away from where people live, but that “the use of these explosives is not controlled and since they are not controlled, anyone who has easy access can store them anywhere.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn