Two people died on the morning of October 17, 2024, after a gas explosion at an oxygen plant in the Sembule A zone, a suburb of Kampala in Rubaga. The explosion occurred at approximately 9:50 a.m., claiming the lives of Andrajt Baraya, an Indian national, and Amos, a Ugandan. Both individuals were on duty operating the plant when the tragedy struck.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, preliminary investigations point to negligence as the primary cause of the explosion. He explained that the two victims were performing their duties when a gas cylinder exploded, leading to their immediate deaths.
The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with authorities working closely with safety experts to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. Owoyesigyire assured the public that a thorough inquiry is being conducted to uncover the details behind the explosion.
Owoyesigyire expressed condolences on behalf of the police to the families of the deceased and pledged that authorities will continue to provide updates as new information is gathered during the investigation.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | October 17, 2024, 9:50 a.m. |
| Location | Sembule A Zone, Rubaga, Kampala |
| Victims | Andrajt Baraya (Indian), Amos (Ugandan) |
| Cause of Explosion | Preliminary reports suggest negligence |
| Ongoing Investigation | Authorities are working with experts to determine the exact cause of the explosion |
This incident has raised concerns about safety practices in industrial environments, especially in facilities dealing with hazardous materials such as gas cylinders. While investigations are ongoing, initial findings indicate that a lack of adherence to proper safety protocols may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of following safety regulations in high-risk industries to prevent such accidents in the future. This tragic event serves as a reminder to all industrial operators of the potential dangers of handling gas and other hazardous materials without sufficient care.
The police and other relevant authorities are expected to issue additional safety guidelines to operators and workers in similar industries to prevent future incidents. In the meantime, Kampala residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any concerns regarding safety measures at industrial sites.
Owoyesigyire noted that the investigation’s findings could lead to further actions to enforce safety compliance in industrial operations across the city.
