adulterated kerosene explosion victim
Two siblings suffer severe burns in explosion from adulterated kerosene
[From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar]
Two siblings in Obubra local government area in Cross River State have been severely burnt following explosion said to have been caused by adulterated kerosene.
The siblings are aged 11 and 13 and are presently in a public hospital in Obubra and seeking support from public spirited individuals.
Their father, Mr Washington Udoh, a priest, said the incident happened last week in the evening in a church compound.
He also disclosed that he escaped with them to hide following the communal clash between Ochon people which claimed lives.
According to him, the kerosene was bought from a boy who hawked the adulterated product for a guardian.
“We have tried to locate the hawker and his guardian in vain. I was not present when the incident happened but neighbours had to rescue my children who are 11 and 13 on my behalf.
‘I thought the church was safer when I escaped from the deadly communal clash.
“The burn was severe. They have been in the General Hospital in Obubra where they are receiving treatment”, he said.
He added that he is a full time priest and doctors have said they may ask him to take his children home because of the high cost, and then come for treatment from home.
He also called on government to look into the rampant adulteration of petroleum products on the state.
The incidence of kerosene explosion is rare in the state but the high cost of the product which sells between N600 to N700 per litre may be forcing unscrupulous marketers to adulterate the product.
Last year, adulterated petrol severely burnt a newly born baby at a maternity home in Calabar South.
The State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Itaya Nyong has yet to comment on the incident.
