A fire outbreak suspected to have been caused by a cooking gas explosion has left three students of Gombe State University hospitalized. The incident occurred on Thursday night, engulfing a female hostel annexe on campus and causing panic among students.
According to a representative from the Federal Fire Service, Gombe Command, the fire was triggered by a cooking gas cylinder and a preliminary investigation suggests it was caused by “unattended cooking.” While no fatalities were reported, three students were taken to the hospital. Some were treated for anxiety, while another suffered from smoke inhalation.
The incident is particularly notable as the university had only recently lifted a ban on the use of gas cylinders within hostels, a measure that had been in place for years due to safety concerns. In the wake of the explosion, the State Controller of the Federal Fire Service has advised the university management to immediately reinstate the ban to prevent future incidents.
Some students who spoke on the condition of anonymity expressed frustration with the handling of the situation, citing inadequate fire service facilities on campus as a factor that may have hindered a quicker response. The university’s Public Relations Officer could not be reached for comment.
