Deadly Gas Cylinder Blast Rocks Lira Motorcycle Garage

Tragedy struck in Lira City on Saturday evening when a gas cylinder detonated at a motorcycle garage located in Ireda Central Park. The explosion claimed the lives of two mechanics, identified as James Okabo and a man known only as Daniel. Three other individuals sustained injuries and were transported to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for medical attention.

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports indicate the blast happened around 6:00 PM while mechanics were engaged in repairing a motorcycle. The use of a gas cylinder during the repair is believed to be the catalyst for the violent detonation. The area was reportedly bustling with activity at the time, including members of the public, raising concerns about potential wider casualties.

The force of the explosion was significant, with one victim suffering fatal injuries described as dismemberment, and the other sustaining severe head trauma. A large fragment from the ruptured cylinder reportedly impacted a parked trailer, causing visible damage to its front bumper and windscreen.

Law enforcement officials, including the Lira City East Divisional police commander and detectives, were dispatched to the scene. They secured the area, gathered witness statements, and collected evidence, including the remains of two motorcycles believed to be involved in the incident. Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the precise cause of the explosion, confirm the identities of all involved, and determine the full extent of the injuries. Postmortem examinations are pending for the deceased.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/gas-cylinder-explosion-kills-2-injures-3-in-lira-garage