FEMA Blames Canadian High Commission Fire in Abuja on Tanker Blast

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Abuja branch has pinpointed the cause of the fire outbreak at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja on Monday, attributing it to a diesel tank explosion. This revelation was made by Mrs. Nkechi Isa, the Head of Public Affairs at FEMA, in a statement released in Abuja on the same day.

According to the statement, the fire incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. when the diesel tank situated in the generator house of the High Commission exploded. This unfortunate event coincided with the maintenance work being carried out on two MIKANO generators by a five-person team from JMD company.

Casualties
Mrs. Isa explained that the fire broke out when a tank containing 2,000 liters of fuel in the generator house where one of the MIKANO generators was being serviced exploded. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives instantly, while two others sustained severe burns.

In her words, “One of the generators was in operation, while the other was undergoing maintenance when a tank containing 2,000 liters of diesel in the generator house exploded. Two of the personnel servicing the generator died from the explosion, while two others survived with severe burns and were promptly transported to the Trauma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja.”

Isa further elaborated that by around 12:30 p.m., the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service had managed to contain the fire. Meanwhile, ambulances from the Ministry of Defence, Federal Fire Service, and FEMA were on standby to attend to the situation.

Condolences from President Bola Tinubu
In light of the fire outbreak that claimed two lives and inflicted severe injuries on several others, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the Canadian government and the victims of this tragic event.

His message of condolence was conveyed through a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), in Abuja on the same day. In his message, President Tinubu expressed his deep sympathy for the Canadian government, the diplomatic community, and all those affected by the fire incident. He assured the Canadian authorities of the unwavering support of the Nigerian government during this challenging time.

The president also offered his prayers for the souls of the departed and extended his best wishes for a swift and complete recovery to those injured in the incident.

President’s Condolence Message:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AND VICTIMS OF FCT FIRE INCIDENT
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his heartfelt sympathies to the Canadian government, the diplomatic community, and all individuals affected by the fire incident that occurred on Monday at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. President Tinubu assures the Canadian authorities of the full support of the Nigerian government in aiding the diplomatic and local staff of the High Commission, particularly those deeply affected by the incident. President Tinubu offers prayers for the repose of the departed souls and wishes a rapid and complete recovery to all injured persons.

This unfortunate incident at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community and the nation as a whole. The revelation that it was caused by a diesel tank explosion emphasizes the importance of stringent safety measures in all public and private facilities to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, and we hope for a speedy recovery for the injured. President Tinubu’s message of condolences underlines the solidarity and support offered by the Nigerian government to its international partners during difficult times like this.