An explosion at the Ordnance Factory Disposal Pit of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria has resulted in the death of one person and injuries to several others, according to an official statement released on Saturday in Kaduna State.
The spokesperson for DICON, Maria Sambo, confirmed the incident, attributing it to the disposal of expired explosive materials.
“Some old storage bunkers used to store raw materials for production contained several expired materials for production which had exceeded their lifespans, including a large quantity of Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, Propellants and others,” she said.
Sambo explained that the agency had initiated a controlled disposal operation in July to safely eliminate the expired materials.
Most of the substances, including all the Ammonia Nitrates, had already been destroyed successfully.
“However, the unfortunate accident of the explosion occurred while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining quantity of the expired items at the disposal pit on September 20,” she added.
The injured personnel are currently receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, while the deceased has been taken to the mortuary.
“While commiserating with staff, families and friends of the deceased and wishing the injured a quick recovery, DICON assures the general public that the unfortunate incident is under control and there is no need for panic,” Sambo stated.
She also gave assurances to the surrounding community, emphasizing that DICON remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. “The neighbouring community is assured that DICON, as a responsible professional organisation, has institutionalised operational safety to the highest level, and they can go about their normal business. The remaining materials have been made safe.”
A board of inquiry has been set up to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
