Kerosene Explosion: Boy Dies, Mother, Daughter Hospitalised

An eight-year-old boy was burnt to death at Abonnema Wharf in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State resulting in a kerosene explosion. The victim was identified as master Duo Tamuno.

The explosion which occurred Sunday midnight, The Tide gathered also affected the mother of the deseased Mrs Christiana Sunday and his younger sister, Eyina-Isom both of who are currently receiving treatment at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) Port Harcourt.

The unfortunate incident is coming barely one month after the community lost three of its members in similar circumstance.

Eye witness told The Tide that master Duo Tamuno lost his life when his mother mistakenly threw a kerosene lantern which had already exploded into the bedroom. Unfortunately, the burning lantern reportedly landed on the bed where her two children were sleeping.

With her cloth on flame, the mother reportedly ran outside to put off the fire on her clothing not knowing that the lives of her children are in danger.

Before the neighbours came for rescue mission for the children, Duo Tamuno was already burnt to death while Eyima-Isom and the mother were rushed to BMH for treatment.

A neighbour named Cornius Gonson who spoke to The Tide in an interview said that the kerosene was bought at the Abonnema Wharf waterfront.

Also speaking Mr. Matthew Abel said that the incident has again re-echoed the need for the government to check the incidence of adulterated kerosene which has led to several loss of lives.

Mr. Abel who is also the step father to the deceased said he was disallowed from seeing miss Eyina – Isom in the hospital when he visited the hospital, confirming his fears that she may not survive the severe burnt.