Several persons were feared dead on Friday night after a gas explosion rocked the Bioku-Alaadun area in Ibadan, Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The explosion reportedly occurred while a tanker was discharging gas into a retail outlet.

The casualties were said to include the owner of the gas shop and others who were nearby at the time of the incident.

The General Manager, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, saying operatives were already on the ground working to contain the situation.

He said there were casualties but noted that full details were still being compiled.

Akinyinka said, “Our men are there; they are still working. Yes, the incident happened. They were discharging gas, and there was an explosion. Information on the casualties is still being gathered.” (Saturday PUNCH)