An explosion which occurred at the Plateau Water Board treatment plant
in Jos the Plateau State capital early yesterday morning has left at
least eight people dead while several others were injured.
Over 100 persons living within the
premises. A pregant woman, children and students were among the victims, as well
as staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service, all residents or workers of
areas not far from the plant. have been hospitalised as a result of excess inhalation of
chlorine oozing out from the scene of the explosion
Initially, the explosion which shook buildings around the area was
thought to be a bomb but was later discovered to be chlorine which went
off in one of the chemical plants within the premises of the board
located along Murtala Muhammadu Way
State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos yesterday.
He said the incident was as a result of chlorine explosion from a treatment plant at Water Board.
Abu said the treatment plant had been cordoned off while management of
the plant has been advised to take necessary precautionary steps.
He said a number of persons had been injured in the explosion and were
presently receiving treatment at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
“Our anti-bomb squad took control of the area and they evacuated the
affected persons to the hospital. Sadly, five persons died in the
hospital while others are receiving treatment,” said the Police
spokesperson
Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has described as unfortunate the
explosion from the Chlorine tank of the Plateau State Water Board
Treatment plant while sympathising with the families of eight victims
who lost their lives as a result of the excess Chlorine Inhalation from
the explosion.
While wishing the over one hundred and one affected persons of the
Chlorine inhalation living within the treatment plant, currently
receiving treatment at OLA Hospital, Evangel Hospital (Jankwano),
Plateau Specialist Hospital and Air force Military Hospital, a quick
recovery, the governor assured the public that government has already
contained the situation and further added that the contamination has not
affected the water which has been supplied to the public through the
main water pipes and it safe for human consumption.
The Governor who spoke via a statement signed by his Director of Press
and Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Nanle, also said immediate measure has
been put in place to address the issue of expired components of the
Treatment Plant which will guard against future reoccurrence of the
incidence