Tragedy struck yesterday morning when an explosion ripped through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory disposal pit in Kaduna, killing one staff member and leaving several others injured.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. while specialists were concluding the destruction of expired ordnance materials, including primer caps, propellants, and other chemical components that had exceeded their lifespans.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer for the Director-General of DICON, Maria Sambo, the blast was triggered during the final phase of disposal operations. DICON had since July undertaken a controlled exercise to safely destroy the expired materials, successfully eliminating a large quantity of Ammonium Nitrate and other items before yesterday’s accident.
The victims were immediately evacuated, with the injured now receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. The body of the deceased staff member has been deposited in the mortuary.
While expressing condolences to the bereaved family and wishing the injured a speedy recovery, DICON assured the public that the situation is fully under control and poses no further threat to surrounding communities.
“A Board of Inquiry has been instituted to unravel the immediate cause of the unfortunate incident,” the statement said, urging residents to remain calm as safety protocols have been reinforced”, the statement added.
