An explosion from a suspected illegal refinery in Kano on Monday killed one person and razed at least five homes and a truck.
The incident occurred at Katango General area of Wailari, by Western Bypass, opposite Maryam Shekarau Estate, Ring Road, Kano.
It took about three hours for the combined team of men of the Kano State Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and fire workers from Salbas Petrol Station to bring the fire under control.
One Aminu, a driver of the truck packed inside the re-refinery, roasted beyond recognition.
His remains were recovered by fire service personnel, who arrived the scene of the incident lately.
The place of disaster is where used oil and other chemicals are recycled, it was learnt.
“Five residential houses have been badly torched by the raging fire that shocked residents of the community,” an eyewitness said.
An old lady who could not walk was rescued from one of the houses. Also, two minors rescued from another house, even as their mother had run out and left them behind inside.
Ahmad Umar Gaya, personnel of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), told journalists that he was on duty along the road when he heard an explosion.
Our source said: “When I noticed fire and smoke coming out of the place I immediately called the attention of the Kano Fire Service and directed them to the location.
“The place, which is located in the midst of residential houses at Katango in Wailari, is used to stock scraps of trucks and trailers and also to refine used engine oil for other purposes.
“No one can tell what exactly happened that led to the explosion. The trailer carrying drums of used engine oil was gutted by the fire in which the driver was trapped and burned beyond recognition.
“Close to the location were residential houses with women and children, and about five houses were gutted by the inferno.” @ The Nation.