Kerosene explosion has killed one person and left six others with burns. The injured are currently at the Immanuel Hospital in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The Operation’s Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources, Eket office, Dr Joseph Frank-Briggs, said that two families were involved in the incident which led to the death of a boy.
The incident happened at Ikot Udoma in Eket town.
“We cannot say exactly what is responsible but we are suspecting that the kerosene must have been adulterated.
“Secondly we think may be in the process of refilling lantern with kerosene while the light is on could cause fire explosion,” Frank-Briggs said.
He said that one person had been arrested in connection with the explosion.
The operation’s controller said that investigation was ongoing to ascertain the root cause of the explosion.
“It is very dangerous to peddle kerosene on the road side.
“We need to get the results of the analysis first and once that is done, we will swing into actions,” Frank-Briggs said.
He noted that when the results of the investigations were out, the department would know if the kerosene was adulterated.
Frank-Briggs warned consumers to desist from buying petroleum products from peddlers, to avoid further occurrence.
He said that the department was putting measures in place to ensure that peddlers were off the roads in the state.
Frank-Briggs added that the department was collaborating with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to curb illegal operators of petroleum products in the state.
NAN
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