By Robert Segawa
Two people have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained serious injuries following a gas cylinder explosion in Lira City.
The incident occurred last evening in Ireda Central Park Cell, prompting territorial police in the North Kyoga region to launch investigations into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
North Kyoga Police spokesperson Patrick Okema identified the deceased as Okabo James and another man identified only as Daniel. Both were adult males working as mechanics. The identities of the three injured persons had not yet been established by the time of reporting.
Preliminary findings indicate that the two deceased were repairing a motorcycle at their garage using a gas cylinder when it suddenly exploded, killing them instantly and injuring three people who were nearby.
The explosion occurred in a busy market area where several members of the public were present.
The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examinations, while the injured persons were rushed to the same facility for medical treatment.
Okema said the wreckage of the two motorcycles involved was taken to Lira City East Division Police for further management. He added that the incident had also been recorded in the CITRAS system.
Further examination of the scene revealed that one of the deceased sustained injuries so severe that parts of his body were dismembered, while the other suffered severe head injuries.
A fragment from the exploded gas cylinder reportedly struck a nearby stationary white trailer, registration number UA 732DX, damaging its front bumper and windscreen.
Police have opened a case file of Death by Explosion (D.E.F.), and investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the explosion, identify the injured persons, verify the particulars of the deceased and obtain the postmortem examination results.
“We extend our condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased and wish the injured persons a quick recovery,” Okema said.
Police have urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when handling gas cylinders and other pressurised equipment, particularly during repair work.
The public has also been advised to ensure that such work is carried out by competent personnel under appropriate safety conditions to prevent similar incidents.
