In a distressing turn of events, part of the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria was engulfed in flames on Monday during routine maintenance of its power generating plant. The devastating incident resulted in the loss of two lives, with one fortunate individual managing to escape the fiery inferno.
According to a source who spoke to Vanguard, the powerful explosion from the power generating plant blew several individuals out of the powerhouse, while others found refuge outside the embassy gates. The fire broke out at approximately 11:30 am, prompting the swift response of firefighting teams to douse the flames and commence rescue operations.
Embassy staff were seen seeking safety beneath trees and other secure areas within the embassy premises, while ambulances rushed in to evacuate those affected by the catastrophe.
Confirming the tragic incident, Amiola Adebayo, the Head of Operations of the FCT Fire Service, disclosed in a phone interview that two individuals had tragically lost their lives in the incident. He further noted that an additional three to four victims had been urgently transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
While the exact cause of the fire explosion remains unknown, the incident was described as an “explosion” by a security source. However, no information has been provided about the nationalities of the affected victims at this time.
This unfortunate incident has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community, as the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria grapples with the loss of two lives and the aftermath of the powerful explosion that rocked the embassy.