By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has given reason for the cause of gas explosion which occurred in Kaduna on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by Paul Osu, Head, Public Affairs of the DPR, said preliminary investigations revealed that the cause of the gas explosion was as a result of illegal decanting (transfer) of LPG into another cylinder by operators of this facility.
He said the agency commiserates with the families affected by the unfortunate incident.
According to DPR spokesman, “An incident of gas explosion was reported to have occurred at an unlicensed LPG retail shop in Kaduna, Kaduna State, resulting in fatalities.
“In line with our regulatory oversight on the oil and gas industry, the agency immediately mobilised our staff to the scene to investigate the cause of the explosion.
“We wish to inform the public that we are carrying out further investigations on the incident, and we will update as soon as we conclude.”
Osu assured that the department will continue to monitor and sensitise members of the public on safe handling of petroleum products to prevent the occurrence of incidence such as this.
“We appeal to members of the public to continue to assist in reporting the activities of illegal operators to the nearest DPR office,” he added.
It would be recalled that several persons lost their lives and many others were burnt in a gas explosion at the Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna metropolis on Saturday.
The explosion occurred at about 1:00pm at a gas shop located by the main road opposite Total Filling station, at the ever busy Sabon Tasha.