The tragic fire incident at the Canadian Embassy in Abuja on Monday was confirmed by the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be the result of a diesel tank explosion.

The incident occurred at the High Commission of Canada building located at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District in Abuja.

According to Nkechi Isa, the Head of Public Affairs at FEMA, the diesel tank exploded around 10:45 a.m. in the generator house of the High Commission while a five-man team was servicing two MIKANO generators. The FCT Fire Service managed to contain the fire by 12:30 p.m., with ambulances from the Ministry of Defence, Federal Fire Service, and FEMA on standby.

Tragically, the explosion claimed the lives of two individuals, and two others sustained severe burns, currently receiving treatment at the Trauma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Isa explained, "One of the generators was operational, while the other was undergoing maintenance when a tank containing 2,000 litres of diesel in the generator house exploded."

In response to the incident, Mohammed Sabo, the acting Director-General of FEMA, urged caution in handling petroleum products, especially with the dry season approaching. Sabo also appealed to residents to utilize the 112 emergency toll-free number in case of any disaster or emergency.