A priest has started a massive explosion and uncontrollable fire after mistaking petrol in a keg for holy water during a ceremony.
The incident occurred in Isheri Olofin in Lagos, Nigeria, when the priest poured the petrol that he believed to be holy water on another man.
Following the act, a nearby lit candle sparked a fire that engulfed both the priest and the man he poured petrol on.
“The pastor picked a keg believing it contained water not knowing it was filled with petrol,” National Emergency Management Agency’s Ibrahim Farinloye said in an interview with AFP.
“In the process of emptying the contents on the man, a lit candle nearby sparked fire that engulfed both of them.”
The flames have also spread to a nearby vandalized oil pipeline and caused a massive explosion that took at least five lives.
The incident occurred in the Baruwa region whereas the man who got petrol poured all over allegedly got burnt beyond recognition.
“We have recovered the body of a man. He was burned beyond recognition, while another person [the priest] was injured with severe burns,” Farinloye added.
As Femi Oke-Osanyintolu of the state emergency service confirmed following the incident, the fires were successfully extinguished. He also claimed that the pipelines were left in a vulnerable state prior to the fire because they were vandalized by thugs.
“We are responding quickly to put out the fire. Only one body has been recovered, while the other person who was injured is receiving treatment,” Mr. Oke-Osanyintolu said.
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Replaced!