An explosion occurred on Wednesday in front of the Kpakungu police division in Minna, Niger State, resulting in the death of one of his apprentices, Haji.

Reports obtained by Naija News revealed that the tragic incident was caused by a gas pump cylinder utilized by a tyre technician, commonly referred to as a vulcaniser.

The explosion also caused injuries to the vulcaniser, named Mohammed, along with his son and another apprentice.

It was gathered that Haji succumbed to his injuries at the explosion site, while the vulcaniser and the other two individuals sustained serious injuries.

According to information gathered by Daily Trust, the incident occurred around 1 PM when the vulcaniser, who specializes in heavy-duty vehicle tires, was operating in his workshop.

The explosion reportedly destroyed the workshop housing the cylinder and damaged the fence of a nearby residence.

A local resident, Usman Mohammed, informed journalists that the loud noise from the explosion instigated widespread panic, noting that the deceased apprentice has since been interred at the Kpakungu cemetery.

The Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, has confirmed the occurrence of the incident.

“On 25th December 2024 at about 1:30 pm, it was reported at Kpakungu Divison that a gas pump cylinder of a vulcaniser located opposite Kpakungu Div exploded, and unfortunately, the vulcaniser and his two apprentices sustained serious injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, but one of the apprentices later died. Others are responding to treatment,” Abiodun confirmed.