Man dies after entering well to retrieve burning gas cylinder in Kano

Tragedy struck in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State after a 30-year-old man lost his life while attempting to retrieve a burning gas cylinder from a well.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday at Saulawa Quarters in Gwarzo town, leaving residents in shock and mourning.

According to reports, the man had reportedly entered the well in a desperate effort to remove the gas cylinder, which was already on fire, possibly to prevent further danger to nearby homes and residents. However, the risky move turned fatal.

The Kano State Fire Service later confirmed the incident in an official statement released on Monday. The statement, signed by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, detailed the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

According to the Fire Service, “The Gwarzo branch office received a call from Alhaji Dan Dauda Gwarzo, who reported that a man had entered a well.”

The victim was identified as Ashahabu Ubale, said to be about 30 years old. He reportedly entered the well in an attempt to retrieve a gas cylinder that had been thrown inside while it was burning.
“The gas released inside the well led to a lack of oxygen, which resulted in suffocation,” the Fire Service explained.

An Emergency Response Unit from the Gwarzo Fire Service branch was immediately deployed to the scene and was able to bring the victim out of the well.
However, the man was rescued unconscious and was later confirmed dead.
“The body of the victim was subsequently handed over to Police Constable Muhammad Zakiyyu of the Gwarzo Police Division,” the statement added.

“We strongly advise the public to observe safety precautions around open wells and hazardous areas, as entering such places without professional equipment can be fatal,” the Kano State Fire Service said.