Two dead, others injured in Uyo kerosene explosion

A bang resulting from the suspected use of adulterated kerosene has killed two children and left three others, including a three-month-old baby severely burnt in Akwa Ibom State.

The incident occurred in Ikono Ibom Clan in Uyo Local Council of the state. Mr. Nsikak Michael, a Keke NAPEP operator and father of three suffered severe burns from the explosion, which also resulted in the death of two of his children.

Recounting how it all happened, Michael, who also operates a small poultry farm near his house in Ikot Enyingne Ikono, told newsmen: “I bought kerosene from a filling station along Idoro Road (name withheld) as I closed from work on Sunday.

“On getting home, I decided to lit up the lantern in my poultry farm to keep the birds warm but needed to top up the kerosene in the lamp as it was soon going off.

So, I came out of the poultry farm just as my kids followed. As I attempted to light up the lantern, there was a loud explosion with a big flame of fire, which left me unconscious.”

One of the two children died immediately on the spot, while the other died yesterday at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where they were rushed to for treatments.

Chairman of Uyo Local Government Transition Committee, Mfon Ben, and his wife, Bridget, visited the victim, who lay critically ill at the hospital.

Also at the hospital, another woman from the same community with her three months old baby was also victim of kerosene explosion.

Ben condoled with the families of the victims over the gruesome incidents and advised members of the public to be cautious and vigilant.

He gave the assurance that perpetrators of the unwholesome act would be brought to book.