Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has confirmed the explosion that rocked her country’s High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, on Monday, November 6, 2023.

It was gathered that a fire broke out while the embassy’s power-generating plant was being repaired.

Staff who ran out of the embassy told The Guardian that the fire broke out around 11:30 PM as firefighting trucks moved in to put out the flames while rescue operations were ongoing.

According to The Guardian correspondent, staff of the embassy were moved to safety under trees and other safe spaces in the embassy enclosure as an ambulance drove in to evacuate those affected.

Commenting on the sad incident, Joly said it would be investigated.

She also sent her condolences to families of those that lost their lives in the explosion.

“We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria,” the Minister wrote on X. “The fire is out and we are working to shed light on what caused this situation.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 2 people killed in this tragedy.”