Kerosene also known as paraffin kero is a flammable liquid mixture of chemicals that are produced in the distillation of crude oil, to produce kerosene,crude oil is distilled in a distillation tower in a process similar to that used to produce disel and gasoline.
Invented in 1840 by a Canadian physician, Abraham Gasner, it is highly combustile, making it an efficient fuel and incredibly easy to light.
Being extensively used in developing world like Nigeria and others for cooking, heating, and lighting, it is a major component of aviation fuel and also used as a cleaning agent.
Few months after experiencing rampaging flood, another tragedy struck the people of Elekahia, a densely populated area in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday morning,December 30th, 2022.
According to reports, the fire outbreak started at about 8am. Men of the Federal Fire service were immediately alerted to the scene to help put out the fire.
It was gathered that the fire, which was caused by a kerosene explosion, destroyed goods and properties.
Many of the affected residents were away when the unfortunate incident happened.
An official of the Federal Fire Service, John Nnemeka, who spoke to journalists, said they were unable to access the houses even though they got there on time.
“We arrived at the place early but were unable to access the scene because of the nature of the houses.”
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by the concerned authorities in the area.
Kerosene is highly combustile, do not handle kerosene until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames and other ignition sources
Ensure the area is well ventilated when using a kerosene heater as it generates dangerous amounts of toxic fumes.
Inhalation may cause irritation and significant or long term exposure could cause respiratory insufficiency and pulmonary edema.
For contact with skin or eyes, immediately wash with water or flush contaminated eye with flowing water.
Keep kerosene out of reach of children. For developing area that are using kerosene to cook, do not use a cooker that is faulty, it is dangerous.
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