THERE was pandemonium in Kaduna yesterday, as more than 500 inhabitants of Kakuri, a suburb of the metropolis, became unconscious and were hospitalised, following an emission of poisonous gas.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when a welder attempted to cut open a big gas cylinder, along Defence Industries Corporation Road, a densely populated area.
A resident, Ahmed Musa, told journalists that at about 3.00pm, several people in the area were noticed to have suddenly fallen and remained unconscious, while several others started gasping for breath after inhaling the gas.
As at press time, no official report of deaths was recorded by the various hospitals where the victims were admitted.
The whole of the Kakuri area was thrown into commotion as residents struggled to rush the affected persons to hospitals, and at the same time tried to run for to safety.
At Saint Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Gwamna Awan Hospital and Maneks hospital, where most of the victims were rushed, wards were full with the affected persons.
Doctor on duty at Saint Gerald Catholic Hospital, Elonuchukwu Charles, said pregnant women were affected most by the emission. He said many of them were still unconscious and expressed fears that some might be at the risk of having stillbirths.
“We had a lot of people here; they were approximately a hundred. They were gasping for breath and for most of them we had to give some palliative treatment. We had to send them outside after treatment to get some fresh air; a lot of them actually got well. But for others who could not, we had to do something further in order to stabilise them. Some of them are still here.
“We still have a lot of pregnant women with us here. They are still having some stomach pain and dizziness. They are just so many. It’s so overwhelming and we can’t see all of them at the same time. There are no deaths yet,” he said.
Many residents of the area were seen going about in facemasks, while others used handkerchiefs to cover their noses.
Armed soldiers and anti-riot policemen have cordoned off the area.
Sources said that the welder had taken to heels to avoid arrest.
Councilor representing the area in the Kaduna South Local Government Council, Mr. Adeleye Suraju, assured that after the evacuation of the cylinder, the welder would be identified and necessary action taken against him.
Suraju appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid the scene of the emission.
May302010